In an interview with The New Statesman, Sánchez said Spain “misses” the UK’s presence in the European project and would support renewed membership if Britain chose to take that path. His comments come as the EU and the UK look to strengthen cooperation amid economic strain, global instability, and shared security challenges.

The remarks come at a time when relations between Madrid and London are starting to thaw after years of strain following the UK’s formal departure from the EU in 2020. One major step forward was the resolution of long-running disputes over Gibraltar, a British overseas territory that had been a frequent source of tension. A wide-ranging agreement reached in 2025 between Spain, the UK and the EU helped clear up regulatory uncertainty and made it easier for people to cross the border, paving the way for a more normal relationship.

Sánchez has long presented himself as a committed supporter of the European project, often pointing to the economic, political, and social gains Spain has made since joining the EU in the 1980s. His comments about the UK fit with a wider belief in European unity, especially at a moment when the bloc is under pressure from global competition and growing security concerns.

Spain’s government argues that the EU works best when it acts together, saying a united bloc is better placed to tackle issues like climate change, rapid technological change, and international instability. From this perspective, Sánchez has suggested that the UK’s absence is noticeable, given its economic strength, diplomatic clout and long-standing role in European politics.

The idea of the UK rejoining the EU is still a distant one, and getting there would mean navigating some tough political and legal obstacles. Even so, Spain’s open support hints at a change in atmosphere in parts of Europe. Sánchez’s remarks suggest there’s a growing appetite to stop reliving the immediate fallout of Brexit and start thinking about what a longer-term relationship with the UK could look like.

Whether that thinking spreads among other EU leaders, or finds any real backing in British politics, is still an open question. For now, Spain’s position stands out as a clear softening in tone — and adds something new to the wider conversation about where UK-EU relations might be heading next.