British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are forging a stronger alliance as they lead Europe’s support for Ukraine. With Donald Trump’s return to the White House reshaping U.S. foreign policy, the two leaders are working closely to maintain stability in Europe.
Relations between the UK and France had suffered since Britain’s exit from the European Union, but Starmer’s leadership has marked a shift. Since taking office in July, he has prioritized resetting ties with European allies, and his partnership with Macron has become central to that effort.
A New Era of Cooperation
A Downing Street official, speaking anonymously, highlighted the growing bond between Starmer and Macron.
“From the beginning, Starmer has focused on building a strong relationship with Macron,” the source stated. “They share mutual respect and work seamlessly together.”
The importance of their collaboration intensified when Trump unilaterally engaged in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. In response, Starmer and Macron quickly aligned to ensure any ceasefire deal would prioritize European security and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
United for Ukraine
To rally European allies, Starmer and Macron have hosted summits in London and Paris, gathering leaders to form a “coalition of the willing.” The goal is to support Ukraine with troops, logistics, and intelligence to prevent further aggression from Russia.
Macron recently urged European military leaders to move “from concept to plan” and define concrete security guarantees for Kyiv. Meanwhile, Starmer convened a virtual summit with 25 world leaders to further these efforts.
According to a Downing Street insider, “The teams are working hand in glove.” Both the UK and France are also acting as intermediaries between Ukraine and the Trump administration, ensuring diplomatic efforts stay aligned.
Diplomatic Engagements and Strategic Plans
National security advisers from the UK, France, and Germany recently met with a top aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Poland. These talks followed Ukraine’s endorsement of a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire at a summit in Saudi Arabia.
In addition, European security advisers traveled to Washington to meet with U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, reinforcing transatlantic cooperation on Ukraine. Despite Trump’s unpredictable stance on European affairs, Starmer and Macron are ensuring continued support for Kyiv.
Historical Challenges and Modern Realities
The UK and France share a complex history. While the 1904 Entente Cordiale laid the foundation for strong diplomatic relations, tensions have flared over Brexit, fishing rights, and strategic competition.
Under Boris Johnson’s leadership in 2021, relations hit a low when he dismissed French concerns over the Aukus military pact with the U.S. and Australia. The following year, then-Prime Minister Liz Truss openly questioned whether Macron was a friend or foe.
However, today’s cooperation between Starmer and Macron represents a significant shift. Mujtaba Rahman, an expert at the Eurasia Group, noted, “The British-French relationship is the strongest it has been in years. As Europe’s two leading nuclear and strategic powers, this collaboration is vital.”
Challenges Still Linger
Despite improved relations, certain issues remain. Brexit-related disputes, such as fishing rights in UK waters, continue to cause friction. Additionally, there is ongoing competition between the two nations within the EU framework.
Anand Menon, director of the Changing Europe think tank, explained, “When it comes to the EU, the UK-France relationship becomes more complicated. There are still unresolved issues.”
France is also cautious about Britain’s long-standing alliance with the U.S. Paris suspects that the UK might prioritize its “special relationship” with Washington over European commitments if forced to choose.
Patrick Chevallereau, a former French defense attaché in London, acknowledged the progress made but noted, “There has been significant improvement, but there is still room for further collaboration.”
As Starmer and Macron deepen their partnership, their leadership will be crucial in shaping Europe’s future. With challenges such as the Ukraine conflict, Brexit repercussions, and shifting U.S. policies, their cooperation will help maintain stability in the region.
