---
title: "Macron and Sanchez Welcome UK's Potential EU Return"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/macron-and-sanchez-welcome-uks-potential-eu-return"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/macron-and-sanchez-welcome-uks-potential-eu-return"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/macron-and-sanchez-welcome-uks-potential-eu-return.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/macron-and-sanchez-welcome-uks-potential-eu-return"
category: "Politics"
area: "European Union"
published: "2026-10-01T11:25:11.008Z"
source_reported: "2026-10-01T11:03:00.000Z"
updated: "2026-10-01T11:25:11.008Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 57
hype_score: 20
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-10-02T14:00:15.515115+00:00"
---

# Macron and Sanchez Welcome UK's Potential EU Return

*French and Spanish leaders express openness to Britain rejoining the bloc.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claims attributed to named bodies, but no documents or independent outlets cited.
- Craft 57 of 100, higher is better. Reports quote or give right of reply to those affected, responsible, or opposed.
- Hype 20 of 100, lower is better. Language is measured and proportionate, with no sensationalism or manufactured urgency.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez have stated they would welcome the UK rejoining the European Union.
- Macron described the UK's potential return as "very good news" for Britain and Europeans, while Sanchez said Spain would welcome them "with open arms."
- The leaders also agreed that Europe needs to strengthen its trade defences against China.
- Macron commented on the influx of migrants into Ceuta, calling Spain a "victim of an attack" and urging European solidarity.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez have welcomed the intention of UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to rejoin the European Union. Macron stated that the UK's return would be "very good news, both for his country and for Europeans," adding that they would be ready to "make things work." Sanchez echoed this sentiment, saying Spain would welcome Britain back "with open arms."

The two leaders also addressed broader European and international issues. They reaffirmed their commitment to defending international law and the multilateral order. Additionally, Macron and Sanchez agreed that Europe must bolster its trade defences against China.

## Disagreement on migrant situation

Macron commented on the recent influx of migrants into Ceuta, a Spanish territory. He stated that Spain was not organising the crossings but was instead a "victim of an attack." Macron expressed surprise at the lack of solidarity from other European partners, noting that they had benefited from similar solidarity in the past. He also stressed the need for improved security coordination among European countries.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left, centre, or right-rated reports below mention the Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez apologising to Macron for the Spanish Senate’s refusal of the friendship treaty with France, a detail reported in TRT World's full report.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 30 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 57% (17)
- Centre: 26% (8)
- Right: 17% (5)

26 of 56 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-02T14:00:15.515115+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 40 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-02T14:30:07.320Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The left-rated report from leftfootforward.org led on the statement that France and Spain would welcome Britain back into the EU with 'open arms'. It noted that Emmanuel Macron and Pedro Sánchez welcomed the idea of the UK rejoining the EU.

### Centre

- The centre-rated reports from TRT World and Reuters both highlighted that Spain and France welcomed the UK's intention to rejoin the EU. TRT World's full report also included Macron's comments on the migrant situation in Ceuta and Sanchez's apology for the Spanish Senate's refusal of a friendship treaty with France. Reuters' digest noted the agreement between the leaders to strengthen Europe's trade defences against China.

### Right

- The right-rated digest from Handelsblatt focused on France and Spain being open to a British EU comeback. It quoted French President Macron calling the idea "a very good news, both for their country and for Europeans."

**Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- veryLow: 1
- mixed: 6
- high: 19
- unknown: 26
- veryHigh: 4

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [IBTimes UK](https://ibtimes.co.uk/macron-brexit-uk-eu-return-economic-immigration-impact-1823269) — Macron Says Immigration Is 'More Complicated Than Before' While Calling Brexit 'Biggest Lie' in 30 Years
- [China Daily](https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202610/02/WS6abf018de4b06d4aa05612f6.html) — Leaders Welcome Burnham's Prospect of UK Rejoining EU
- [charter97.org](https://charter97.org/ru/news/2026/10/1/700413) — Sikorsky: Poland Would Be Happy to Accept the Return of Britain to the EU
- [censor.net](https://censor.net/ua/news/4026246/radoslav-sikorskyyi-zayavyv-pro-pidtrymku-povernennya-brytaniyi-do-yes) — Poland Would Be Happy for Britain to Return to EU,
- [Європейська правда](https://eurointegration.com.ua/news/2026/10/1/7246755) — Sikorski: Poland Would Welcome Britain's Return to the EU
- [Do Rzeczy](https://dorzeczy.pl/kraj/951070/wielka-brytania-wroci-do-ue-sikorski-reaguje-na-slowa-brytyjskiego-premiera.html) — Sikorski Reacts to the British Prime Minister's Words: "Let's Not Be Fooled by Europhobes."
- [London Glossy Post](https://londonglossy.com/senior-officials-at-downing-street-mulling-uk-rejoining-eu) — Senior officials at Downing Street mulling UK rejoining EU
- [Anadolu Ajansı](https://aa.com.tr/en/europe/european-greens-urge-eu-leaders-to-back-uks-potential-return-to-bloc/4075299) — European Greens Urge EU Leaders to Back UK's Potential Return to Bloc
- [rmf24.pl](https://rmf24.pl/fakty/swiat/news-sikorski-reaguje-na-slowa-burnhama-o-ue-przyjelibysmy-to-z-z,nIdn,1020065) — Sikorski Reacts to Burnham's Comments About the EU. "We Would Welcome that."
- [online-listing.com](https://online-listing.com/news/blogger/2026/10/01/poland-would-welcome-uk-back-into-eu-with-open-arms-foreign-minister-says-europe-live/happenings) — Poland would welcome UK back into EU ‘with open arms’, foreign minister says – Europe live
- [The Local - Fr](https://thelocal.fr/20261001/we-wont-change-approach-eu-wants-actions-from-uk-rather-than-words) — 'We won't change approach': EU wants actions from UK, rather than words
- [The Local - De](https://thelocal.de/20261001/we-wont-change-approach-eu-wants-actions-from-uk-rather-than-words) — 'We won't change approach': EU wants actions from UK, rather than words
- [The Local - Se](https://thelocal.se/20261001/we-wont-change-approach-eu-wants-actions-from-uk-rather-than-words) — 'We won't change approach': EU wants actions from UK, rather than words
- [The Local - Es](https://thelocal.es/20261001/we-wont-change-approach-eu-wants-actions-from-uk-rather-than-words) — 'We won't change approach': EU wants actions from UK, rather than words
- [The Local - It](https://thelocal.it/20261001/we-wont-change-approach-eu-wants-actions-from-uk-rather-than-words) — 'We won't change approach': EU wants actions from UK, rather than words
- [The Local - Ch](https://thelocal.ch/20261001/we-wont-change-approach-eu-wants-actions-from-uk-rather-than-words) — 'We won't change approach': EU wants actions from UK, rather than words
- [The Local - Dk](https://thelocal.dk/20261001/we-wont-change-approach-eu-wants-actions-from-uk-rather-than-words) — 'We won't change approach': EU wants actions from UK, rather than words
- [The Local - No](https://thelocal.no/20261001/we-wont-change-approach-eu-wants-actions-from-uk-rather-than-words) — 'We won't change approach': EU wants actions from UK, rather than words
- [The Local - AT](https://thelocal.at/20261001/we-wont-change-approach-eu-wants-actions-from-uk-rather-than-words) — 'We won't change approach': EU wants actions from UK, rather than words
- [Business Matters](https://bmmagazine.co.uk/news/no-10-tests-support-rejoining-eu) — Downing Street gathers evidence on rejoining EU as Macron says "welcome back"
- [The Local](https://thelocal.com/20261001/we-wont-change-approach-eu-wants-actions-from-uk-rather-than-words) — 'We won't change approach': EU wants actions from UK, rather than words
- [abcgazetesi.com.tr](https://abcgazetesi.com.tr/dunya/abden-ingiltereye-dikkat-ceken-mesaj-gorusmeye-acigiz-872662) — EU Sends a Notable Message to the UK: "We Are Open to dialogue."
- [Karar Gazetesi](https://karar.com/dunya-haberleri/abden-ingiltereye-uyelik-mesaji-gorusmeye-acigiz-2075583) — EU Sends Membership Message to UK: We Are Open to Talks.
- [Hindustan Times](https://hindustantimes.com/world-news/uk-joining-eu-again-france-macron-spanish-leader-say-would-welcome-back-britain-after-pm-andy-burnham-floats-idea-101790854241258.html) — UK joining EU again? France's Macron, Spanish leader say would ‘welcome back’ Britain after PM Andy Burnham floats idea
- [The London Economic](https://thelondoneconomic.com/politics/france-and-spain-say-theyd-welcome-uk-back-to-eu-with-open-arms-410138) — France and Spain say they'd welcome UK back to EU with 'open arms'
- [France24](https://france24.com/fr/info-en-continu/20261001-possible-retour-du-royaume-uni-dans-l-ue-la-musique-change-mais-bruxelles-attend-les-paroles) — Possible Return of the United Kingdom to the EU: Music Changes, but Brussels Waits for Words
- [THE VOICE OF VIETNAM](https://vovworld.vn/news/france-and-spain-say-uk-would-be-welcome-back-in-eu-2469466.vov5) — France and Spain say UK would be ‘welcome’ back in EU
- [El Confidencial](https://elconfidencial.com/mundo/2026-10-01/puede-reino-unido-volver-a-la-ue-andy-burnham_4436113) — "There Are Horrified People": for the First Time, the British Government Opens the Door to Return to the EU
- [LaProvence.com](https://laprovence.com/article/france-monde/45413174326630/possible-retour-du-royaume-uni-dans-lue-la-musique-change-mais-bruxelles-attend-les-paroles) — Possible Return of the United Kingdom to the EU: Music Changes, but Brussels Waits for Words
- [La Jornada](https://jornada.com.mx/2026/10/01/mundo/022n2mun?partner=rss) — France and Spain Welcome Possible Return From the UK to the EU
- [Handelsblatt](https://handelsblatt.com/video/politik/brexit-willkommen-zurueck-frankreich-und-spanien-offen-fuer-britisches-eu-comeback/100258926.html) — "Welcome Back: France and Spain Open to British EU Comeback
- [leftfootforward.org](https://leftfootforward.org/2026/10/france-and-spain-would-welcome-britain-back-into-eu-with-open-arms) — France and Spain would welcome Britain back into EU with 'open arms' - Left Foot Forward: Leading the UK's progressive debate
- [El Plural](https://elplural.com/politica/espana/sanchez-macron-respaldan-regreso-reino-unido-ue-mientras-burnham-reabre-debate-brexit_800247102) — Sánchez and Macron Support the UK's Return to the EU as Burnham Reopens the Brexit Debate
- [vietnamplus.vn](https://vietnamplus.vn/phap-tay-ban-nha-huong-ung-tin-hieu-xich-lai-gan-eu-cua-anh-post1139413.vnp) — France and Spain Respond Positively to the UK's Signal of Closer Ties with the EU.
- [haberglobal.com](https://haberglobal.com/dunya/macrondan-ingiltereye-cagri-abye-donun-546666) — Macron Calls on Britain: Return to the EU.
- [ekonomim.com](https://ekonomim.com/dunya/macrondan-ingiltereye-cagri-abye-donun-haberi-921830) — Macron Calls on Britain: Return to the EU.
- [Haberler](https://haberler.com/dunya/macron-ingiltere-nin-ab-ye-donusunu-destekledi-ve-20286536-haberi) — Macron Supported Britain's Return to the EU and Said, "Welcome back."
- [Irish Independent](https://independent.ie/world-news/andy-burnham-considers-second-brexit-referendum-as-france-and-spain-urge-britain-to-rejoin-bloc/a/162402039.html) — Andy Burnham considers second Brexit referendum as France and Spain urge Britain to rejoin bloc
- [AlKhaleej Today](https://alkhaleejtoday.co/international/5865414/Burnham-breaks-Brexit-taboo-with-talk-of-EU-return-Macron-urges-Britain-to-%E2%80%98come-back%E2%80%99.html) — Burnham Breaks Brexit Taboo with Talk of EU Return, Macron Urges Britain to Plate Come Back
- [Malay Mail](https://malaymail.com/news/world/2026/10/01/burnham-breaks-brexit-taboo-with-talk-of-eu-return-macron-urges-britain-to-come-back/237183) — Burnham breaks Brexit taboo with talk of EU return, Macron urges Britain to ‘come back’
- [eutoday.net](https://eutoday.net/britain-eu-return-france-spain-macron-sanchez) — France and Spain Welcome Prospect of Britain Rejoining European Union - https://eutoday.net
- [news-pravda.com](https://news-pravda.com/world/2026/09/30/2632094.html) — Macron: Brexit cost Britain 8% of GDP
- [bloomberght.com](https://bloomberght.com/macron-ingiltere-ye-seslendi-ab-ye-donun-3789883) — Macron Appealed to Britain: Return to the EU.
- [BFM TV](https://bfmtv.com/international/europe/espagne/video-le-brexit-est-le-plus-grand-mensonge-des-30-dernieres-annees-estime-emmanuel-macron_VN-202609300484.html) — "Brexit Is the Biggest Lie of the Last 30 Years," Says Emmanuel Macron.
- [TRT World](https://trtworld.com/article/191c7f3a67ed) — Spain, France welcome UK's intent to rejoin EU
- [NewsFinale](https://newsfinale.com/news/macron-calls-brexit-the-biggest-lie-of-the-past-30-years) — Macron Calls Brexit the Biggest Lie of the Past 30 Years
- [dailymail.com](https://dailymail.com/vertical-galleries/article-16173187/Macron-brands-Brexit-biggest-lie-30-years.html) — Macron brands Brexit the 'biggest lie of the last 30 years'
- [South China Morning Post](https://scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3369380/france-and-spain-welcome-idea-uk-rejoining-eu-after-burnhams-speech) — France and Spain welcome idea of UK rejoining EU after Burnham’s speech
- [virgule.lu](https://virgule.lu/international/le-royaume-uni-evoque-loption-dun-retour-dans-lue-welcome-back-repond-macron/162392877.html) — The UK Refers to the Option of a Return to the EU: ‘Welcome Back', Says Macron
- [Reuters](https://reuters.com/world/china/spain-france-align-welcoming-uk-back-eu-strengthening-china-trade-defences-2026-09-30) — Spain, France align on welcoming UK back to EU, strengthening China trade defences
- [ceskenoviny.cz](https://ceskenoviny.cz/zpravy/2881225) — We Would Warmly Welcome Britain's Return to the EU, Macron and Sánchez Agree | ČeskéNoviny.cz
- [thepressroom.gr](https://thepressroom.gr/diethni/makron-gia-endehomeno-epistrofis-tis-bretanias-stin-ee-tha-itan-exairetiki-eidisi) — Macron on the Possibility of Britain Returning to the EU: "It Would Be Excellent News"
- [www.eldiario.net](https://eldiario.net/portal/2026/09/30/ministro-britanico-andy-burnham-no-descarta-reincorporar-al-reino-unido-a-la-ue-1903) — British Minister Andy Burnham Does Not Rule Out Reincorporating the UK Into the EU (19:03)
- [Le Monde](https://lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/09/30/macron-says-welcome-back-after-burnham-floats-uk-return-to-eu_6758109_4.html?srsltid=AU7gw4X_Z6-ZQXQCQsiP0lDPJ8CXi2Q6t6NdlEpzT_DCJt7r-7BotyWq) — Macron Says 'Welcome Back' After Burnham Floats UK Returns ...
- [The London Economic](https://thelondoneconomic.com/politics/emmanuel-macron-slams-brexit-as-the-biggest-lie-of-the-last-30-years-410123) — Macron slams Brexit as the 'biggest lie of the last 30 years'
- [caleaeuropeana.ro](https://caleaeuropeana.ro/emmanuel-macron-brexitul-este-cea-mai-mare-minciuna-din-ultimii-30-de-ani) — Emmanuel Macron: "Brexit Is the Biggest Lie in the Last 30 Years"
- [Naftemporiki](https://naftemporiki.gr/kosmos/2168612/makron-to-brexit-einai-to-megalytero-psema-ton-teleytaion-30-eton) — Macron: Brexit Is the Biggest Lie of the Last 30 Years

## Questions

**What did France and Spain say about the UK rejoining the EU?**

French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez welcomed the possibility of the UK rejoining the European Union. Macron described it as 'very good news' for Britain and Europeans, while Sanchez stated Spain would welcome the UK back 'with open arms'.

**What other issues did Macron and Sanchez discuss?**

The leaders reaffirmed their defence of international law and the multilateral order. They also agreed that Europe must strengthen its trade defences against China. Macron commented on the migrant situation in Ceuta, calling Spain a 'victim of an attack'.

**Did all reports cover the migrant situation in Ceuta?**

Macron's comments on the migrant influx into Ceuta were reported in TRT World's full report. However, this detail was not mentioned in the digests from The Voice of Vietnam, Handelsblatt, leftfootforward.org, vietnamplus.vn, Haberler, eutoday.net, or Reuters.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/macron-and-sanchez-welcome-uks-potential-eu-return. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Macron and Sanchez Welcome UK's Potential EU Return", https://mediabias.news/politics/macron-and-sanchez-welcome-uks-potential-eu-return