iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
No: the UK has not applied to rejoin the European Union. French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez have welcomed the possibility, while Prime Minister Andy Burnham has put rejoining among the options for the UK to consider. Those political remarks are not an EU decision or the start of accession talks. Any return would require a formal application and approval under Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union.
What did Macron, Sánchez and Burnham say?
Macron said “Welcome back” in Madrid
At a joint press conference in Madrid on 30 September 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron responded, “Welcome back.” The Guardian reported that he went on to say that if the British wanted to return and the prime minister was moving in that direction, he would regard it as good news for Britain and Europeans. These are remarks attributed to Macron by the report, not a formal EU invitation. The Guardian’s account of the Madrid remarks is the source for the quotation.
Sánchez said Spain would welcome a bid
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Spain would open its arms to a UK bid to rejoin, according to the same report. His statement expresses Spain’s political welcome; it cannot commit the EU or other member states to approve UK membership.
Burnham reopened the question, rather than announcing an application
Burnham told the Labour conference that the UK could not set a clear long-term course without deciding its relationship with what he described as its largest market, and said Brexit had done more harm than good. He later said rejoining was one option to consider. The reporting characterises his position as reopening the debate, not announcing an immediate application or a settled government policy to rejoin. The Guardian’s report on Burnham’s comments and Le Monde’s 2 October report describe the discussion.
#1 Best Overall
- Fly breeze series - This flag is ideal for low wind area. The lightweight design allows the flag to fly in mild breeze. (Not recommended for super windy outdoors)
- Fade proof - You will immediately notice how amazing the print is. The color is very bright and vivid. Besides, the dye has been processed for fade proof, suitable for outdoor use
- Craftsmanship - Made of durable polyester. Double stitched all around the edge and strengthened by canvas header and two brass grommets. You will fully appreciate the craftsmanship and quality of this flag
- Specification - Made in China. Made of 100% polyester.Package contains one Anley 3x5 ft fly breeze EU Flag.
- Commitment - We stand behind our products! Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Has the UK started the process of rejoining?
No application or accession agreement is established in the statements and reports cited here. A friendly response from two European leaders is different from a UK request for membership, a decision by EU institutions to admit the UK, and the completion of accession negotiations.
The European Council president’s readout of a first call with Burnham, dated 21 July 2026, said the sides agreed to strengthen EU–UK relations and referred to a second summit in Brussels later that year. It describes cooperation and the wider relationship dialogue, not accession talks. Read the European Council account of the call.
Rank #2
- Fade Resistant Materials: The EU flag is made of durable polyester, which is waterproof and not easily faded, curly or deformed. The EU flag appears with bright & vivid color because of the exquisite printing and dyeing techniques.
- Light Weight Design: The EU flag is approx 0.18 Pound / 80 g, which is perfect for low wind areas. Its lightweight design makes it easy to fly in mild breeze and you can easily drape the flag over your body for street parades.
- Wide Application: This EU patriotic-themed flag can be used for a variety of different occasions including, celebration party decorations and many other events' decorations.
- Specification: The package includes 1pc EU flag with the size of approx 3 x 5 ft / 91 x 152 cm. They are double-stitched all around the edge and strengthened by a canvas header and two brass grommets.
- Take Pride in European Union: Show your patriotism with this EU flag! It fits most standard flagpoles and can be hung both indoors and outdoors, such as on walls, rooms, balconies, gardens. You can decorate your home, school, office, dorm, bar, street and so on with this EU Flag.
What would the UK have to do to rejoin?
The Treaty on European Union explicitly says that a state which has withdrawn and asks to rejoin is subject to Article 49. That article sets out a formal accession process; it does not provide a shortcut based on a bilateral welcome from France or Spain. Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union says that a European state meeting the treaty’s conditions “may apply to become a member of the Union.”
- The UK would make a formal application. Under Article 49, it must address its request to the Council of the European Union.
- The EU institutions would consider it. The Council acts unanimously after consulting the European Commission and obtaining the consent of the European Parliament.
- Admission conditions would have to be agreed. Those conditions are set out in an agreement between the applicant state and the member states.
- Every contracting state would have to ratify the agreement. Ratification must follow each state’s own constitutional requirements.
In practical terms, the process would involve negotiations and approvals across the EU. Neither Macron nor Sánchez can grant membership on behalf of EU institutions or other member states. Article 49 sets the route, but the available sources do not establish what terms a future UK application would produce.
Rank #3
- ★ LUXURY QUALITY: Our versatile outdoor flags Made of Durable Nylon to help withstand Mother Nature's Best. If you fly the flag 24/7, then these Nylon flags are the best choice.
- ★WATER RESISTANT :Our flag fabric is specially treated to dry quickly. The waterproof coating makes the flag ideal for flying in any weather conditions，Even exposed to the scorching sun for a long time,weather resistant as well as fade-resistant to make the flag Maintains Its Colors All Season Long.
- ★ SUPERIOR STITCHING:Our flags are quadruple stitched at the fly end to ensure we minimize wear and tear from wind damage. appearance and has superb wearing strength due to the material’s superior strength-to-weight ratio.
- ★VERSATILE :Perfect for your Home Flagpole, Tailgating, or Wall Decoration indoor .Improving The Looks Of Your Home Or Room and Showing Your Pride With This New Flag,great for gifts, commercial or personal use.
- ★WARRANTY- Order it now! flying your flag with pride.all the flags have the quality promise. If you have any questions, please contact us via order email, we will be at your service 24 hours a day.
Does closer EU–UK cooperation mean membership talks?
No. Work to strengthen the relationship between the UK and EU, including the summit mentioned in the European Council readout, is a separate track from applying for EU membership. A closer partnership, single-market participation, customs-union arrangements and full membership are distinct possibilities, but the cited reporting does not set out a negotiated comparison or agreed terms for them. Full membership would follow Article 49’s accession procedure.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ✔ Premium Double‑Sided Printing - Unlike cheap single-sided flags, our advanced double‑sided printing technology ensures the 12 yellow stars are perfectly visible and correctly oriented from both sides. No reverse mirror images, just a beautiful display from any angle.
- ✔Durable Polyester Material – Crafted from high‑quality 100% polyester that resists tearing and fraying. Lightweight enough to fly in gentle breezes yet strong enough for long‑term outdoor use.
- ✔Fade‑Resistant & Weatherproof – Advanced dye sublimation printing ensures the colors remain bright and sharp even under prolonged sunlight and exposure to rain or wind.
- ✔Reinforced Construction – Features two rust‑proof brass grommets on a reinforced fly hem. Double‑stitched edges on all sides add extra durability and prevent unraveling.
- ✔Versatile Display –Perfect for European embassies, EU summits, cultural festivals, classrooms, international meetings, or as a meaningful gift. Hang it in your garden, balcony, office, or man cave to show your support for European unity.
Rank #4
- Material -- Our European Union flag is made from 100% polyester. Lightweight design suitable for flying in mild breeze. FLAG POLE NOT INCLUDE
- Vibrant Colors -- Europe flag is standard 3x5 feet The colors of European Union flag outdoor are sharp, bright, vivid, UV resistant. Colors will stay true for long lasting
- Superior Crafts -- European Union flags 3x5 are double stitched all around the edge and strengthened by canvas header and 2 brass grommets. Thicken brass metal grommets ensure the Europe banner long hanging as long as possible
- Occasion -- The EU flag for outside is great decor for home, school, office, dorm, playgrounds, parties or any indoor outdoor activity. Suitable for hanging on indoor window walls, outdoor flag poles, car, truck
- Premium Service -- We are confident you will be satisfied with our European Union flag. Please feel free to contact us if any problem.Show your support with this 3x5 ft European Union Europe flag banner
What is established as of 3 October 2026?
- Macron said “Welcome back” at the Madrid press conference, and Sánchez said Spain would welcome a UK bid.
- Burnham has raised rejoining as an option to consider; the reports do not show that the UK has decided to apply.
- The European Council readout describes efforts to strengthen EU–UK relations, not accession negotiations.
- A return to membership would require the formal Article 49 process, unanimous Council action, European Parliament consent, agreed conditions and ratification by all contracting states.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
