Leaders across Europe on Friday reacted to the U.K.’s dramatic election, heaping praise on Labour leader and incoming British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
European Council President Charles Michel and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who has been nominated to be the EU’s next chief diplomat, both called Starmer’s election triumph “historic.”
“I look forward to working with you and your government in this new cycle for the U.K.,” Michel, who is leaving his post in November, said on social media. “See you soon in the European Political Community meeting on July 18 in the U.K. where we will discuss common challenges, including stability, security, energy and migration.”
“The U.K.’s commitment to our common security is valued by every Estonian,” Kallas said. “I’m sure our excellent cooperation will only continue to thrive.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was anticipating “a constructive partnership to address common challenges and strengthen European security.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said France “will continue the work begun with the U.K. for our bilateral cooperation, for peace and security in Europe, for the climate and for AI.”
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said Starmer “has brought the Labour Party a comprehensive victory” and added he hoped to strengthen Anglo-Irish relations.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola congratulated Starmer and said the U.K. and the EU are united by “shared values and longstanding friendship.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country and the U.K. “have been and will continue to be reliable allies through thick and thin. We will continue to defend and advance our common values of life, freedom, and a rules-based international order,” he added.
