In mid‑July 2025, a comprehensive YouGov poll conducted across key Western European countries—including Germany—revealed that a clear majority of German respondents (63 %) would support the United Kingdom re‑joining the European Union . Among these, 26 % “strongly support” the idea, while 37 % “somewhat support” it .
This sentiment underscores a notable shift in public opinion: nearly a decade after Brexit, many Germans view it as a miscalculation and express willingness to welcome the UK back—though increasingly on stricter, more standardized terms.
1. The Context: Brexit Regrets and Changing Attitudes
Germany’s post‑Brexit landscape is characterized by lingering regret over the UK’s departure. Back in 2018, an ARD‑commissioned survey found that about 62 % of Germans said they regretted the UK leaving the EU, especially in the country’s western regions . That same survey highlighted a strong preference—82 % of Germans—favoring their own country’s continued EU membership.
Today, that sense of regret has evolved into tangible support for the UK’s return, albeit with reservations: public opinion now reflects the belief that Brexit harmed not only Britain but also Europe’s overall cohesion.
2. Survey Results: Support—But Not Without Conditions
The YouGov poll asked Germans whether they would welcome the UK’s return under the membership terms it held prior to Brexit, such as exemption from the euro and Schengen participation. Support under those previous terms dropped sharply: only 22 % of Germans backed the UK returning under the old arrangements, while 36 % preferred the UK rejoin under full alignment with EU rules .
In effect, while 63 % support rejoining in principle, most Germans insist that the UK should commit to all major EU policies—without cherry‑picking selective opt‑outs.
3. Broader European Consensus
Germany is not alone in expressing openness. The same survey extended to other major EU member states—France, Italy, and Spain—found support ranging from 51 % in Italy to 60 % in Spain and 53 % in France . Germany’s 63 % support rate was the highest among these four.
Yet, across all countries surveyed, backing for the UK rejoining under prior opt‑out terms remained low (19–22 %), while most respondents insisted the UK must adopt full EU obligations if it wishes to rejoin .
4. Why Germans Now Favor UK Reentry
Several overlapping factors explain this sentiment shift:
Brexit’s aftermath: The anticipated benefits—such as greater sovereignty, improved trade deals, and tighter immigration control—have in many cases failed to materialize, while economic friction and diplomatic distance have grown.
Strategic concerns: In a turbulent global environment—marked by war in Ukraine, U.S. political uncertainty post‑Trump, and accelerating climate change—many Germans believe European unity and collective action are more critical than ever.
Shared values and history: Germany and the UK have long been viewed as democratic partners within Europe. Many Germans continue to see Britain as a natural ally in promoting liberal democratic norms across the continent .
5. Public Voices: The View from Everyday Germans
User‑generated content also highlights this underlying mood. On forums like Reddit, German users have voiced sentiments such as:
“Of course we would [welcome the UK back]. But don’t be fooled: Only under the condition, that there’s no special treatment anymore like you used to have…”
Others reflected:
“We thought [the UK] was privileged with exceptions… Brexit was seen as a mistake from our side, not just because it was bad for UK, but also for us.”
These comments echo a broader German expectation: goodwill toward re‑integration, but with the caveat of parity and principle.
6. Political Implications for Future Dialogue
Though EU leaders—including those in Germany—have publicly maintained a neutral stance on the prospect of re‑joining, such widespread support among citizens could shape future discourse . Analysts predict it might influence:
Negotiating framework: Berlin and other capitals are likely to insist the UK fulfill standard accession requirements—adopting the euro, joining Schengen, and forgoing previous exemptions.
Principled consistency: Germans have historically resisted special carve‑outs, viewing them as undermining solidarity and fueling intra‑union tensions .
7. Challenges Ahead: UK’s Own Sentiment
While Europeans grow more open, the UK’s own path remains uncertain. A related YouGov dataset confirms that around 54–56 % of Britons support rejoining the EU—but that figure drops to around 36 % if it means abandoning their former opt‑outs . Thus, UK public willingness remains conditional, potentially clashing with EU member states’ expectations.
8. Conclusion: A New Chapter in EU‑UK Relations?
In sum, the 63 % support rate among Germans signals a significant shift in popular attitudes toward the UK’s EU membership—one shaped by regret, pragmatism, and a renewed desire for unity in an uncertain world. Yet support is clearly conditional, with the stipulation that any future British accession comes without privileged carve‑outs.
That combination—a welcoming stance with a firm insistence on equality—marks the defining tone of German public opinion today:
They view Brexit as a strategic mistake,
They believe EU membership offers long‑term benefits,
But they also demand fairness, full alignment, and trust.
Whether the UK ever chooses to reapply, and whether it would accept those conditions, remains unclear. But for now, the German public message is consistent: “If Britain truly wants to return, and is ready to commit fully, the door remains open—but the terms have changed.”