French President Emmanuel Macron and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez endorsed the prospect of Britain rejoining the European Union after British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said his center-left Labour government could pursue membership as part of rebuilding ties with Europe. Macron replied in English, "Welcome back," while Sanchez said Europe would open its arms to Britain. Burnham has said he would present options for Britain’s future relationship with the EU ahead of a planned summit later in 2026, although Macron cautioned that Britain could not select only the benefits of membership while remaining outside the bloc. The leaders also urged greater flexibility in raising resources for the EU ahead of October budget negotiations. Spain and France oppose pressure from major net contributors including Germany and the Netherlands to cut available funds by several hundred billion euros, warning that this could worsen inequality and reduce support for farmers. Macron and Sanchez called for stronger European trade defenses against China and commitments from Chinese investors on technology transfer in strategic industries such as autos. Macron has also backed faster trade investigations, stronger import standards, electricity links and investment in artificial intelligence, quantum technology and defense, alongside financial reforms intended to direct European savings toward investment.