French Foreign Minister: The United Kingdom would have been received "with open arms" if it were to return to the EU single market.

The European Union would welcome the United Kingdom "with open arms" if it decided to return to the single market, said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot at an event in Berlin.

The statements come in the context in which London is trying to improve relations with the community bloc. British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves mentioned that the United Kingdom is willing to align with the European Union's economic rules to stimulate economic growth.

Barrot emphasized that if the United Kingdom is ready to return to the single market, it will be welcomed, but the Labour government led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer has so far ruled out such a return. Despite this, there are signs of rapprochement between London and Brussels, through alignment with European standards, without a formal reintegration.