Michel Barnier, the former European Commission chief Brexit negotiator, said the 2016 UK vote to leave the EU was "a loser's game for everyone" [1].
Barnier's comments come as the UK and EU navigate the long-term economic and social fallout of the separation. His assessment suggests that the perceived benefits of exiting the bloc have not materialized, potentially influencing future debates about the UK's relationship with Europe.
Speaking at a European Union-hosted event in Brussels, Barnier marked the anniversary of the referendum, which took place 10 years ago [1]. He said that the decision resulted in economic, regulatory, and social setbacks for both the United Kingdom and the European Union [3].
Barnier specifically highlighted the impact on individuals. "There are concrete consequences for EU and UK citizens as Britain does away with freedom of movement," Barnier said [3]. This loss of mobility remains one of the most contentious points of the post-Brexit era, affecting labor markets, and personal residency across the channel.
Despite the friction caused by the exit, Barnier indicated that a return to the bloc is not impossible. "The door is open if the UK ever wants to discuss rejoining," Barnier said [1].
He further suggested that the difficulties associated with the UK's departure serve as a deterrent for other member states. Barnier said other countries are unlikely to emulate the path the UK took in 2016 [3]. The former negotiator's perspective reflects a view that the costs of isolation outweigh the sovereignty gains touted by the original Leave campaign.
“"The yes vote was a loser's game for everyone."”
Barnier's remarks signal that while the EU remains open to the UK's eventual return, the political and economic price of reentry would likely be steep. By framing Brexit as a universal loss, he reinforces the EU's position that the bloc's integrated regulatory and social framework provides more stability than the independent path the UK pursued.
