European leaders have paid tribute to Keir Starmer after his resignation as British prime minister, which has triggered the postponement of an annual EU-UK summit. The summit, announced for 22 July, was postponed by European Council President António Costa, who expressed hope that Starmer's successor would continue the path of resetting relations with the EU.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Starmer, saying, 'It can take many leaders years to grow into the statesman you became in just two years. European and Ukrainian security is stronger because of you.' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Starmer for his support, describing him as 'always a welcome guest in Ukraine.' German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's spokesperson called Starmer 'a reliable and close partner in foreign policy questions, particularly regarding Ukraine.'
The Kremlin's spokesperson said Starmer had 'not done anything to distinguish himself on the issue of British-Russia relations.' Former US President Donald Trump offered his best wishes but criticised Starmer over immigration and energy policy, accusing him of 'windmilling the country to death.'
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was thinking of his friend on a tough day, while Norway's Jonas Gahr Støre noted that the two countries had grown closer. Under Starmer, EU-UK relations improved following the 2023 Northern Ireland Brexit deal, though EU officials considered the government's reset hopes unrealistic. The EU and UK signed a security partnership in May 2025 but failed to agree on British participation in the EU's Safe defence loans scheme.
At the postponed summit, the sides had hoped to sign agreements on a food and drink deal, emissions trading, and a youth mobility programme. Starmer is expected to attend an E5 meeting in Berlin before the Nato summit in Ankara on 7-8 July, which may be his last international appearance as prime minister.
