Emmanuel Macron welcomes the possibility of the United Kingdom returning to the EU: “Welcome back”

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the possibility of Britain returning to the European Union on Wednesday in Madrid, following British Prime Minister Burnham’s comments on the need for a long-term relationship with the bloc.

“If the British want to return and if the prime minister is moving in that direction, I think it is very good news, both for his country and for Europeans,” Macron said. The French leader told Britain, “Welcome back,” and argued that London should accept all European rules, not just the benefits of close cooperation.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said his country would welcome with open arms any potential British application to join the EU. The reactions came after Burnham said that Brexit “has done more harm than good” and that the British government was considering several options: maintaining the current agreement, joining the customs union, returning to the single market or even fully rejoining the European Union.

European officials welcomed the change in tone but stressed that London must clarify what it wants. Closer ties with the single market would require accepting the free movement of people, goods, services and capital, while membership of the customs union would require alignment with EU trade policy and tariffs.

Britain and the EU are expected to hold a summit in Brussels, with the date likely to be announced in November. Trade relations and British companies’ access to the European “Made in Europe” program are among the main topics for discussion.