A blunt speech in London challenged Britain’s post-Brexit course, suggesting a dramatic political reversal may be necessary to restore full ties with European partners.
The President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, called Brexit a colossal mistake and expressed the view that the United Kingdom should rejoin the EU to restore full-fledged ties with its European partners.
The speech came during a meeting at a London think tank that plays a significant role in political debates and European integration issues. Ukrainian media reported the information without citing a specific source.
«I believe that Brexit was a colossal mistake. I am too diplomatic to say everything I think about those who campaigned for Brexit during the campaign, and about those who still insist that Brexit is good… But I truly believe that this is not simply a shot in the foot, but rather an amputation of a leg without medical indication».
– Alexander Stubb
Context and prospects for relations with the EU
According to him, it is worth radically rethinking the relationship between the EU and the United Kingdom. Stubb stressed the need to deepen cooperation in key areas: defense and sharing intelligence, trade and access to the single market, as well as in technologies and innovations.
The president noted that the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer has no intention of returning to the EU, but emphasized the importance of greater flexibility and pragmatism on both sides.
«We need Britain’s voice in Europe. We really miss you guys. I suppose I must express my view: it took you seven years to negotiate leaving the EU, it will take seven years to regret it, and then another seven years to return. I hope for that»
– Alexander Stubb
Stubb expressed the view that Britain’s membership in the EU’s customs union should be possible alongside its participation in the single market.
The president also proposed that the EU reform its structures to ensure greater flexibility in cooperation among member countries and with states that are officially not members of the Union.
According to polls, a significant portion of Britons view Brexit as a mistake, underscoring the difficulty of political decisions regarding the country’s future course in Europe.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed disagreement with the decision of former British leader David Cameron to organize the referendum in 2016.
Developments in the EU and their impact on the regional balance remain relevant for future negotiations between London and Brussels, as well as for European policy in general.