Report outlines EU membership process and costs for any UK rejoin bid

A report by the think tank Facts4EU, produced with the Campaign for an Independent Britain and Stand for Our Sovereignty, describes the steps required for any country to join the European Union. The analysis states that every member state holds veto power at multiple stages and that no special rejoin route exists for former members.

It notes that Britain would need unanimous approval from all current members before any accession could advance.

The Commission then recommends whether candidate status should be granted, a step that again requires unanimous member-state consent. If candidate status is approved, the country must adopt the full body of EU law known as the acquis. The Commission monitors compliance before an accession treaty is prepared.

That treaty needs approval from the Commission, the European Council, the European Parliament and ratification by every member state.

Reported financial and regulatory obligations The report estimates that annual budget contributions could reach £30 billion and that Britain would assume a share of existing EU debt estimated at £220 billion. It states that the previous UK rebate would not apply.

The analysis adds that Britain would lose its prior opt-out from the Schengen area and would be required to adopt EU rules on movement of people. It also states that new members must eventually adopt the euro. A former Secretary of State told GB News that rejoining would require acceptance of EU fiscal rules and all legislation passed since the UK left, including rules affecting agriculture, pharmaceuticals and digital sectors.