BRUSSELS (AP) — As British Prime Minister Theresa May announced her departure with a Brexit plan nowhere near success, European Union leaders offered kind words. But it was quite another matter during the years of negotiations with the bloc that often produced exasperation, miscommunication and even some ridicule of her.

EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, whose office led the Brexit negotiations, on Friday called May "a woman of courage for whom he has great respect," saying he watched her resignation speech "without personal joy."

And Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said: "I just w...