Key Takeaways
- The European Green Party formally adopted a declaration stating that “the United Kingdom’s future lies in the European Union” and urged the UK to consider rejoining the bloc.
- The text describes Brexit as a political and economic failure with lasting negative consequences for the UK and Europe.
- Green leaders stressed that the invitation is meant to trigger a democratic debate in the UK, not to replace it, and welcomed other European political families to join the call.
- The declaration was approved at the party’s annual leadership meeting in Brussels, attended by delegates from 30 European green parties, including non‑EU members.
- Domestic UK Green leaders, such as Zach Polanski, have long characterised Brexit as damaging to the economy and support eventual re‑entry when political conditions permit.
- The intervention comes amid UK local‑election setbacks for Labour, gains for Reform UK, and broader European challenges including far‑right rise, energy insecurity, and geopolitical tensions.
- Although Green parties currently hold limited influence in EU governments, leaders pointed to recent electoral gains in Denmark, the UK, and mayoral contests in Riga and Copenhagen as signs of a resurgence.
Declaration Urging UK Rejoin
The European Green Party’s leadership meeting in Brussels produced a clear statement: “Brexit has been a political and economic failure with lasting negative consequences for people in the United Kingdom and across Europe.” The text went on to assert that “the United Kingdom’s future lies in the European Union” and pledged the party’s readiness to welcome the UK back whenever it chooses that path. This declaration marks the first time a European political party has formally invited the UK to reconsider its EU membership, signalling a coordinated effort to reframe the post‑Brexit discourse.
Context of Recent UK Elections
The declaration was announced just after the UK’s local elections, in which Keir Starmer’s Labour Party suffered significant losses while Nigel Farage’s Reform Party made gains. The Greens themselves struggled to translate increased vote totals into seats, underscoring the fragmented nature of British politics at the moment. By releasing the statement amid these results, the European Greens aimed to inject a pro‑European perspective into a domestic conversation dominated by economic anxiety and populist sentiment.
Leadership Voices on Brexit
Vula Tsetsi, co‑chair of the European Green Party, described the initiative as necessary to “trigger the debate” about the UK’s future, emphasizing that the primary discussion must remain democratic and UK‑led. Zach Polanski, leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, characterised Brexit as “a sledgehammer to an already weak economy” and reiterated his personal support for eventual re‑entry, noting that the party has long advocated rejoining when the political climate is right. These remarks illustrate a shared conviction among Green leaders that reversing Brexit would alleviate economic strain.
Procedural Details of the Adoption
Delegates from 30 European green parties gathered in Brussels to approve the text, including representatives from non‑EU member states. Although the British Green parties were absent due to concurrent local and parliamentary elections, they were entitled to endorse the declaration remotely. The meeting took place the day before Europe Day, lending symbolic weight to the call for renewed European unity and highlighting the Greens’ intent to align their message with broader pro‑European celebrations.
Strategic Aim to Stimulate Debate
Tsetsi insisted that the Greens do not seek to dominate the UK’s internal debate but rather to act as a catalyst within the European political family. She expressed hope that other party groupings would follow suit, amplifying the call for reconsideration of Brexit. By framing the invitation as a trigger rather than a directive, the Greens aim to respect UK sovereignty while encouraging a re‑evaluation of the costs associated with departure from the EU.
Potential Impact on UK‑EU Relations
The intervention could intensify discussions inside the UK about forging closer economic ties with the EU, especially as the country faces multiple pressures: a looming economic downturn linked to the US‑Israeli conflict over Iran, criticism of Labour leader Keir Starmer by former US President Donald Trump, and heightened security concerns stemming from Russia’s actions. In this environment, the Greens’ pro‑EU stance may resonate with voters wary of isolation and seeking stability through renewed cooperation.
Current Influence of European Greens
Despite the bold declaration, the Green Party’s presence in EU governments remains limited, and no other major European political factions are expected to endorse the call for UK re‑entry imminently. The party’s influence has waned in recent years, evidenced by losses in the 2024 European Parliament elections and its exit from Germany’s governing coalition. Nevertheless, leaders pointed to recent successes—such as mayoral victories in Riga and Copenhagen in 2025 and strong showings in Danish elections—as signs of a resurgence that could bolster their ability to shape policy debates.
Historical Perspective on Brexit
Tsetsi dismissed notions that the UK had been an especially difficult EU member, arguing that evolving circumstances have changed the political landscape. She contended that history shows Brexit was a mistake that inflicted losses on both sides, and expressed confidence that lessons learned could pave the way for a stronger, more cohesive European Union. By invoking a “historical moment” ten years after the referendum, the Greens framed their appeal as both timely and necessary for reinforcing European solidarity.
Conclusion and Outlook
The European Green Party’s call for the UK to reconsider EU membership represents a clear, coordinated effort to address what it views as the enduring failures of Brexit. While the Greens acknowledge that the ultimate decision rests with British voters and institutions, they aim to provide a persuasive, pro‑European voice in the ongoing debate. Whether this initiative will shift public opinion or inspire broader political support remains uncertain, but it undeniably adds a new dimension to the conversation about the UK’s future relationship with Europe.