{
  "id": 10997022,
  "title": "France's Macron, Spain's Sanchez welcome idea of UK rejoining EU after Burnham remarks",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/frances-macron-spains-sanchez-welcome-idea-of-uk-rejoining-eu-after",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T17:34:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "DW English (Top Stories)",
    "slug": "dw-english-top-stories",
    "url": "https://www.dw.com/en/france-s-macron-spain-s-sanchez-welcome-idea-of-uk-rejoining-eu-after-burnham-remarks/a-79493469?maca=en-rss-en-top-1022-xml-mrss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed their support for the potential rejoining of the United Kingdom to the European Union during a meeting in Madrid. Upon learning of the UK's intention to return, Macron enthusiastically welcomed the move, stating, \"Welcome back.\" He asserted that the UK cannot adopt a selective approach to its relationship with the EU, remaining outside while benefiting from its advantages. Prime Minister Sanchez concurred, labeling the UK's departure in 2016 as a significant loss for both the British public and the broader European project. Spain would undoubtedly welcome the UK's return, Sanchez added. The European Commission spokesperson, Balazs Ujvari, reiterated that the UK is a valued partner, and it is up to the UK government to outline its future relationship with the EU. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham proposed several options for the UK-EU relationship, including rejoining the single market or a customs union. Burnham emphasized that Brexit has caused more harm than good and pledged to outline various options closer to an upcoming summit. However, adopting the Euro or contributing to the EU budget could face considerable opposition in the UK. Burnham's commitment to the Labour Party's 2024 manifesto, which opposes rejoining the EU, remains strong. Yet, he may advocate for a closer connection between the UK and the EU in the next general election in 2029.",
  "summary": "During a visit to Spain, France's Emmanuel Macron said it would be \"good news\" if the UK moves towards the EU, with Pedro Sanchez also embracing the idea. UK PM Andy Burnham has not ruled out rejoining the bloc.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 8,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Le Monde English",
        "title": "Macron says 'welcome back' after Burnham floats UK return to EU",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/macron-says-welcome-back-after-burnham-floats-uk-return-to-eu",
        "published": "2026-09-30T14:01:19.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Macron says ‘welcome back’ after Burnham floats UK’s return to EU",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/macron-says-welcome-back-after-burnham-floats-uks-return-to-eu",
        "published": "2026-09-30T14:30:23.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post",
        "title": "France and Spain welcome idea of UK rejoining EU after Burnham’s speech",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/france-and-spain-welcome-idea-of-uk-rejoining-eu-after-burnhams-speech",
        "published": "2026-09-30T15:01:16.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "France 24",
        "title": "REPLAY: France's Macron calls for 'stronger Europe' on Spain trip",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/replay-frances-macron-calls-for-stronger-europe-on-spain-trip",
        "published": "2026-09-30T15:01:32.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Olive Press",
        "title": "Spain would welcome Britain back into EU ‘with open arms’, Sanchez says during Macron visit",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/spain-would-welcome-britain-back-into-eu-with-open-arms-sanchez-says",
        "published": "2026-09-30T15:15:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Voice of Ukraine",
        "title": "Andy Burnham says Britain could consider rejoining European Union",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/andy-burnham-says-britain-could-consider-rejoining-european-union",
        "published": "2026-09-30T16:08:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "DW News",
        "title": "France's Macron, Spain's Sanchez welcome idea of UK rejoining EU after Burnham remarks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/frances-macron-spains-sanchez-welcome-idea-of-uk-rejoining-eu-after-10998421",
        "published": "2026-09-30T17:34:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}