European leaders pay tribute to Starmer as EU-UK summit is postponed
Following Keir Starmer's resignation announcement, leaders across Europe and beyond have expressed appreciation, while the upcoming EU-UK summit has been postponed.
Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Prime Minister on Tuesday, prompting a wave of international reactions. European Council President António Costa confirmed the postponement of the EU-UK summit scheduled for July, expressing hope that Starmer's successor would continue the path toward resetting relations with the UK.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted that Starmer achieved in two years what takes many leaders years to become a statesman, emphasizing his contribution to European and Ukrainian security. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Starmer for cooperation and joint decisions that strengthened Europe and the protection of life, calling him always a welcome guest in Ukraine.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's spokesperson described Starmer as a reliable and close partner in foreign policy, especially regarding Ukraine. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, also a centre-left leader, noted that the UK is Norway's close ally in Europe and that the two countries have grown closer through important agreements over the past two years.
In contrast, the Kremlin's chief spokesperson said Starmer had not distinguished himself on British-Russian relations and that it was unlikely anyone else in British politics would take a different position.
US President Donald Trump, even before Starmer's official announcement, wrote on Truth Social wishing him well but criticizing his record on immigration and energy, specifically regarding North Sea oil. Relations between Starmer and Trump started smoothly but later showed differences over NATO allies, the Chagos Islands, and the lack of UK military support for US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed sympathy for his friend on a tough day, noting that public service is a privilege but politics can be harsh. Starmer is still expected to attend an E5 meeting in Berlin on Wednesday, where Germany, France, the UK, Italy and Poland will prepare for the NATO summit in Ankara.
The postponed EU-UK summit was expected to sign agreements on a food and drink deal, linking emissions trading systems, and a youth mobility programme. Post-referendum relations improved under Rishi Sunak in 2023 with the Northern Ireland deal, but many EU officials considered Starmer's reset hopes unrealistic.
