BERLIN — European leaders paid tribute to outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer this week after he announced plans to step down, praising his efforts to rebuild ties between the United Kingdom and the European Union and to maintain close cooperation on European security, according to public statements released on Monday.
Starmer announced his departure amid mounting political pressure at home, triggering a Labour Party leadership contest expected to produce a successor in the coming weeks. His resignation also prompted European officials to postpone a planned UK-EU summit while the British government completes the leadership transition, according to European Council officials.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen led the tributes, thanking Starmer for strengthening cooperation between Britain and the European Union after years of strained relations following Brexit.
"It can take many leaders years to grow into the statesman you became in just two years," von der Leyen wrote on the social media platform X. "Thank you, dear Keir, for your friendship, your leadership and your commitment to our shared European values."
European Council President António Costa also praised Starmer's contribution to closer relations between London and Brussels, saying he looked forward to continuing cooperation with the United Kingdom after the leadership transition. Officials said the planned UK-EU summit would be rescheduled to allow Britain's incoming government to participate.
During his nearly two years in office, Starmer sought to improve practical cooperation with the European Union while ruling out rejoining the bloc. His government negotiated closer collaboration on security, defence, migration and trade while maintaining Britain's position outside the EU's single market and customs union. He also worked closely with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on support for Ukraine alongside other European allies.
European leaders contrasted Starmer's approach with years of post-Brexit tensions, describing his government as a reliable partner on regional security and diplomatic engagement. Several officials nevertheless acknowledged that Britain's domestic political developments could temporarily slow ongoing negotiations on issues including linking the UK and EU emissions trading systems. EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra said discussions would need to be reassessed in light of the political transition.
At home, Starmer said he intended to ensure an orderly transfer of power to his successor. Labour's leadership contest is expected to conclude in July, with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham widely viewed as the leading candidate after returning to Parliament, according to party officials and British media reports.
As of Friday, European leaders had continued to express support for Starmer's legacy while awaiting the appointment of Britain's next prime minister. The UK government and European Union said they expected bilateral cooperation to continue during the transition, although details of the rescheduled UK-EU summit remained unclear.
