European leaders pay tribute to Starmer as EU-UK summit is postponed

Keir Starmer hosted a meeting with Germany’s chancellor, Friedrich Merz, Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the French president, Emmanuel Macron on 7 Jun 2026. Photograph: Thomas Krych/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock View image in fullscreen Keir Starmer hosted a meeting with Germany’s chancellor, Friedrich Merz, Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the French president, Emmanuel Macron on 7 Jun 2026. Photograph: Thomas Krych/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock European leaders pay tribute to Starmer as EU-UK summit is postponed Ursula von der Leyen, Merz and Zelenskyy say UK PM helped increase European and Ukrainian security European leaders have paid tribute to Keir Starmer after he announced his resignation as prime minister, triggering the postponement of an upcoming EU-UK summit. The European Council president, António Costa, said “for sure we need to postpone it, but we are reassessing the opportunity to hold this new summit”. He added: “My wish is ⁠that [Starmer’s] successor ​will give ​continuity on ​this path to ​reset ‌our relationship ​with ​the UK.” Keir Starmer to step down as prime minister two years after historic election victory Read more Soon after Starmer’s resignation speech at No 10, the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen , tweeted: “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. Thank you, dear Keir.” The annual EU-UK summit was announced for 22 July only last week, after weeks of uncertainty and delay. With the most likely next UK prime minister, Andy Burnham, who is unlikely to face a contest, Starmer’s last outing on the world stage could be the Nato summit in Ankara on 7-8 July. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, thanked Starmer for “all our cooperation, your support, and the joint decisions that have helped make our Europe and our protection of life stronger”. While Kyiv expressed frustration with UK support during the early part of Starmer’s premiership , Zelenskyy offered warm praise: “Keir, you are always a welcome guest in Ukraine.” The Kremlin’s chief spokesperson said Starmer had “not done anything to distinguish himself on the issue of British-Russia relations” adding that it was unlikely anyone on the British political scene would take a different position. Andy Burnham sworn in as an MP after Keir Starmer resigns as prime minister - UK politics live Read more German chancellor Friedrich Merz’s spokesperson said Keir Starmer had always been “a reliable and close partner in foreign policy questions, particularly regarding Ukraine”. Starmer is expected to attend an E5 meeting on Wednesday in Berlin, where Germany, France, the UK, Italy and Poland will prepare for the Nato summit. Donald Trump offered his best wishes, laced with characteristic attack lines, even before Starmer made his Downing Street announcement. “Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of The United Kingdom,” Tr