The European Green Party has called on the UK to consider rejoining the European Union and move past what it described as the “political and economic failure” of Brexit.
A statement declaring that “the United Kingdom’s future lies in the European Union” was approved by a large majority of European Green parties during their annual leadership meeting on Friday, the day before Europe Day.
Insiders said this was the first time a European political party had officially invited the UK to rejoin the EU. “Someone has to start the conversation,” said Vula Tsetsi, co-chair of the European Green Party, in an interview.
“The main discussion should first and foremost take place within the democratic debate in the UK, and we don’t want to take that over. But as a European political family, we want to spark that debate. Maybe other political families will join us, but for us, the time is now.”
This move came after Keir Starmer’s Labour Party suffered heavy losses in local elections, with Nigel Farage’s Reform Party making gains. Meanwhile, the Greens seemed to struggle to turn more votes into actual seats.
The call to reverse Brexit was part of a broader declaration by European Green Party leaders, which also called for energy independence and action against the far-right.
The declaration states: “Brexit has been a political and economic failure, with lasting negative effects for people in the UK and across Europe.
“The European Green family is clear: the UK’s future lies in the European Union. We are ready to welcome the UK back, along with other countries, when it chooses this path.”
This means that Green parties across Europe—such as Germany’s Die Grünen or France’s Les Écologistes—should reflect this stance in their national debates and policies.
Delegates from 30 European Green parties gathered in Brussels on Friday to approve the text, including those from non-EU countries. Representatives from British Green parties were not present due to local and parliamentary elections, but they were able to share their views on the document remotely.
Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party for England and Wales, has described Brexit as “a sledgehammer to an already weak economy.” He told ITV’s Peston show that he was “firmly, very much in favour” of eventually rejoining the EU. He discussed the rejoin declaration with Tsetsi and fellow European Greens co-chair Ciarán Cuffe at a meeting in Manchester on 1 May.
A spokesperson for the Green Party of England and Wales said: “Brexit has been a disaster, and we have always said we should rejoin the EU when the political conditions are right.”
This intervention could intensify the debate in the UK about closer economic ties with the EU, especially as the country faces a potential downturn caused by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, Donald Trump’s criticism of Keir Starmer, and growing awareness of Russia as a security threat.
However, the Greens are represented in only a few EU governments, and no other European political parties are expected to follow their lead.
The influence of Green parties across Europe has declined in recent years, as shown by losses in the 2024 European Parliament elections and their removal from Germany’s governing coalition.
Tsetsi insisted that the Greens’ fortunes are improving again, pointing to recent election results in Denmark, votes in the UK, and mayoral races across Europe—Greens and allied parties won mayoral seats in Riga and Copenhagen in 2025. “This is a moment when Greens are gaining ground… and they are able to shape the political debate,” she said.He argued. The veteran Greek politician dismissed the idea that the UK had been a difficult member state, noting that times have changed. “History shows that Brexit was a mistake and both sides lost a lot. I’m very confident we can learn from those mistakes and build a stronger European Union together.” She emphasized that the political landscape has shifted since the 2016 Brexit referendum: “This is another historic moment… Ten years after Brexit, Europe needs to be strengthened.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the European Greens statement regarding the UK and the EU
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What exactly did the European Greens say about the UK and Brexit
They said that the UKs future lies back inside the European Union and they called Brexit a failure
2 Why do they think Brexit is a failure
They believe it has damaged the UK economy made trade more difficult and weakened the UKs influence in the world compared to when it was an EU member
3 Does this mean the UK will rejoin the EU soon
No This is just the opinion of the European Green Party The UK government has no current plans to rejoin and it would require a long political process and a public vote to do so
4 Who are the European Greens
They are a political party that brings together Green parties from across Europe including the UKs Green Party They focus on environmental issues social justice and European cooperation
5 Is this the official view of the UK government
No The UK governments official position is that Brexit is done and they are focused on making it work outside the EU
IntermediateLevel Questions
6 What specific failures of Brexit are the Greens pointing to
They commonly cite problems like new trade barriers with the EU labour shortages in key industries loss of access to EU research funding and reduced influence over European regulations that still affect the UK
7 If the UK wanted to rejoin what would it actually have to do
It would need to apply to the EU negotiate the terms of membership and likely agree to adopt the euro and join the Schengen freetravel area It would also need to hold a new public referendum
8 How does the Green Party in the UK relate to this statement
The UK Green Party is a member of the European Green Party They broadly agree with the sentiment having been proEU and critical of Brexit since the 2016 referendum
9 Does the European Greens statement have any practical impact
Not directly It is a political statement meant to influence debate and encourage proEU movements However it shows that a major European political group is still open to the UK returning
10 What about the argument that Brexit allows the UK to set its own rules
The Greens
