Senior European Parliament figures say the UK could potentially re-enter the EU quickly through a so-called “Switzerland plus” arrangement. German MEP Bernd Lange, who was involved in Brexit negotiations, says such a deal could be negotiated within months after the UK makes a decision to deepen its ties with the bloc. The idea centres on aligning with many EU rules and obligations while maintaining some external autonomy, though details are not specified in the reports.
The comments come amid renewed Brexit debate in the UK, as political leaders call again for a re-think of the country’s relationship with Brussels. Outlets describe the proposal as a faster alternative to a full accession process, but they vary in emphasis: some focus on the potential timeline and mechanics of negotiation, while others frame it as part of broader domestic discussion about what “reconnection” with the EU should look like. The reporting presents the proposal as an MEP’s view rather than an official EU offer, with the feasibility depending on negotiations and political decisions on both sides.
