Europe reacts to Biden's withdrawal from presidential race

European and world leaders have reacted to U.S. President Joe Biden's announcement that he will not seek re-election later this year. 

"Joe Biden has achieved a great deal: for his country, for Europe, for the world," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz posted on social media platform X. "His decision not to run again deserves recognition."

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said "As he has done throughout his remarkable career, President Biden will have made his decision based on what he believes is in the best interests of the American people."

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed "admiration and recognition for the brave and dignified decision" to step down, calling it "a great gesture from a great president who has always fought for democracy and freedom."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Biden for U.S. military support in his country's fight against Russia, saying "Ukraine is grateful to President Biden for his unwavering support for Ukraine's fight for freedom, which, along with strong bipartisan support in the United States, has been and continues to be critical."

Irish PM Simon Harris said "Joe Biden, in all the offices he has held, has always been an unwavering voice and passionate worker for peace on the island of Ireland and our country owes him a great debt for this."

Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Stoere said Biden "wants to put the country before himself – that reasoning commands respect… I particularly commend him for his leadership in NATO."

Polish PM Donald Tusk's social post addressed Biden directly, saying "many times you have made difficult decisions that have made Poland, America, and the world safer, and democracy and freedom stronger. I know that you were guided by the same principles when announcing your latest decision. Perhaps the most difficult one in your life."

Czech PM Petr Fiala posted "It is undoubtedly the decision of a statesman who has served his country for decades. It is a responsible and personally difficult step, but it is all the more valuable. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the USA that a good president emerges from the democratic competition of two strong and equal candidates."

EU Foreign Ministers' meeting

Foreign ministers from around the EU were assembling on Monday morning for a meeting at which Biden's decision is sure to be a hot topic, given his election opponent Donald Trump's much cooler relationship with the bloc.

While acknowledging that "it's not my role" to tell U.S. voters "what they have to do," the EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell did little to hide his personal preference: "I wish the best for the Democratic appointee, the one who would take his place… I'm sure it will be quite an important difference for the transatlantic relationship depending on who is there [as the next president]."

Belgian Foreign Affairs Minister Hadja Labib also seemed to back the Democratic party, with or without Biden: "It was a courageous decision and I wish all the best to maybe Kamala Harris, who will take the lead now, for the Democrats. It's a woman, it's a strong woman, and I wish her all the best."

READ MORE

Solar cars and tyre dust: Auto's future at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Mackerel getting Norwegian fishermen out of deep water

The UK village that inspired the Olympic Games

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also paid tribute. "Biden is putting his country's interests above his own," Baerbock said. "Biden has done an incredible amount for transatlantic relations, and not just during his term as president - cooperation is perhaps closer than ever before - he has made a major contribution to these relations throughout his entire political career. "

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne remained impassive, saying  "there will be no change. Europe will defend its interests, Europe's interests. And we will analyze the situation with whichever American administration, to protect those interests."

Latvia's Foreign Minister Baiba Braze also insisted that "we will work with whoever is democratically elected," pointing out that "the Trump administration previously was actually good for European defense. They put more money, more troops in Europe."

Further afield

Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant thanked Biden "for your unwavering support of Israel over the years. Your steadfast backing, especially during the war, has been invaluable. We are grateful for your leadership and friendship."

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, already scheduled to fly to Washington on Monday to address the US Congress, was careful to appeal to remain neutral: "I will tell my friends on both sides of the aisle that regardless who the American people choose as their next president, Israel remains America's indispensable and strong ally in the Middle East."

Meanwhile, Russian government spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed the importance of the news, compared to the Ukraine situation: "The elections are still four months away, and that is a long period of time in which a lot can change... The priority for us is the special military operation," Peskov said, referring to the fighting in Ukraine.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said "The U.S. presidential election is an internal affair of the United States, and I will not comment on it."

Subscribe to Storyboard: A weekly newsletter bringing you the best of CGTN every Friday