The Benefits of EU Membership
Breaking down what we lost by leaving the EU, and what we could stand to gain again by rejoining.
1. Economic Benefits:
Full unfettered access to the largest trading bloc in the world
Significant admin savings because there's no need for customs and other documentation when trading with the EU
Free trade deals with over 70 countries around the world
Frictionless borders allowing for just-in-time manufacturing
Faster delivery times across the EU
Quicker international supply chains
Participation in the EU Single Energy Market
Simplified VAT filing for firms selling to EU customers
Financial passporting for City of London firms
Access to EU structural and regional development funding
Participation in the EU emissions trading scheme
Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) subsidies for farmers
Easy access to a willing seasonal agriculatural workforce
Simplified process for recognition of professional qualifications across the EU
Economies of scale for businesses operating across the EU
Increased attractiveness for foreign investors (the famous "UK as the gateway to Europe" which Margaret Thatcher envisioned).
2. Freedom of Movement:
Freedom for UK citizens to travel, work, study and retire anywhere in the EU
Freedom for EU citizens to travel, work, study and retire in the UK
Freedom to love, marry and live with your spouse and children
Upcoming EES and ETIAS systems would not apply
Use fast EU queues at airports and ports within the EU
EU-wide roaming at home rates for mobile phones
Access to home content on streaming services while traveling in the EU
Driving licenses valid all over the EU
Multi-year pet passports for easy travel with pets
3. Education and Research:
Intense scientific and academic collaboration
Participation in Horizon Europe research programme
Participation in Erasmus student exchange programme
Study in EU universities at local rates
Mutual recognition of academic and many professional qualifications
4. Consumer Rights and Protections:
Enhanced consumer protections, including for cross-border shopping
Strong food labelling regulations
Mandatory minimum 2-year warranty period on goods
14-day cooling off period for purchases and timeshare agreements
Right to cancel and return orders within 14 days
No surcharges on credit and debit card transactions
Protection under EU's Passenger Rights regulations for all modes of transport
5. Health and Safety:
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for healthcare access in the EU
Quicker access to safe/new medicines
Single system of chemical regulation (REACH)
Participation in EURATOM programme for medical isotopes
Some of the highest toy safety standards in the world
Participation in the EU pandemic Early Warning and Response system
Benefit from EU's coordinated approach to rare diseases
Coordination on cross-border health threats
Some of the highest food standards in the world
6. Workers' Rights:
Secure baseline of worker protections
Minimum of 4 weeks paid leave a year
Protection against discriminatory treatment when working in other EU countries
Protection for agency workers
Protection under the EU's Working Time Directive
7. Environmental Protection:
Significant environmental protections
Cleaner air backed by EU Air Quality Directive
Cleaner beaches and stronger penalties for untreated sewage discharges
Protection of 500 bird species
Participation in EU environmental initiatives like the European Green Deal
8. Citizenship and Legal Rights:
EU citizenship with additional rights and protections
Right to vote in local and European elections when living in any EU country
Access to European Court of Justice
Enhanced human rights protection through the Charter of Fundamental Rights
Right to petition the European Parliament
Consular protection from any EU embassy outside the EU
9. Data and Digital Rights:
Strong data protection laws (GDPR)
Right to be forgotten
Access to personal data held by companies
Participation in EU digital initiatives (e.g., Digital Single Market)
EU-wide protection for .eu domain names
Stronger collective stance against global tech giants
Legally enforced net neutrality
10. Cultural and Creative Industries:
EU funding to support British film, theatre, and music industries
Free movement for musicians, artists, and their equipment
Participation in European Capital of Culture programme
Participation in European Heritage Label initiative
11. Trade and Business:
No additional VAT or duty on goods imported from the EU
Products made in the UK can be sold in over 30 countries without extra approval
Right to offer services all over the EU on same basis as to UK clients
Protection of foods of geographic origin
Access to EU funding for startups and innovation
12. Security and International Cooperation:
Cooperation on security issues and access to shared crime databases
Participation in European Arrest Warrant system
Cooperation on counter-terrorism efforts
EU-wide coordination on cybersecurity threats
Collaboration on migration issues
Participation in EU's common foreign and security policy
Collaborative space exploration and participation in Galileo GPS system
Support for democracy and human rights globally
13. Political Influence:
Major say in running of the EU through MEPs and judges
Influence on setting EU budget and priorities
More powerful presence on world stage as part of EU bloc
Stronger voice in international forums
Greater leverage in global trade negotiations
14. Future Potential and Shared Innovation:
Collaborative research and development in cutting-edge fields like renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology.
United approach to global challenges such as climate change, migration, and health crises.
Influence in shaping global standards for data protection, consumer rights, and environmental regulations.
Joint investment in strategic technologies, including semiconductors and quantum computing.
Coordinated efforts in space exploration and satellite technology.
Shared initiatives for digital transformation and the growth of the digital economy.
Collective development of sustainable and smart cities.
Some people only look at how much money we put into the EU, and how much we get back. But that argument misses the big picture.
There are so many aspects of EU membership that have very substantial value, yet which we cannot quantify precisely in pounds and pence. The list above contains a huge number of such examples.
It is therefore both simplistic and grossly misleading to attribute a value of zero to anything other than cashflows, and to falsely conclude that we're paying in more than we're getting back.
The EU helps us do so much more together than we could alone. It's not just about money. It's about being part of something bigger and creating a better future for us all.
When we think about the EU, we should always be asking: "What does it add to our lives?" not just "How much does it cost?"