On Friday 5 July, on X, the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen and Roberta Metsola, congratulated British Labour leader Keir Starmer on his victory in the 4 July general election.
“I look forward to working with you in a constructive partnership to address common challenges and strengthen European security”, commented Ms von der Leyen. “The relationship between the EU and the UK is rooted in our shared values and longstanding friendship. As allies and partners, it is in our common interest to continue working closely together”, said Ms Metsola.
The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, also congratulated Keir Starmer. The two blocs “are crucial partners, cooperating in all areas of mutual interest for our citizens. (...) I look forward to working with you and your government in this new cycle for the UK. See you soon in the European Political Community meeting on 18 July in the UK where we will discuss common challenges, including stability, security, energy and migration”.
Commission spokesman Eric Mamer emphasised “that we share common values, including the promotion of human rights, of democracy, the Rule of law and rules-based international order. We are aligned on a wide range of global challenges, from regional conflicts to poverty and climate change”.
The spokesman also underlined the commitment “to a positive agenda with the UK based on the full respect and timely and fair implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Windsor Framework and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement”.
The Labour Party won an absolute majority (at least 410 seats) against the Tories of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The party does not envisage any return to the EU. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)