The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom recently engaged in a productive conversation with President Ursula Von Der Leyen, the President of the European Commission. Their discussion covered various important topics, highlighting the commitment to international cooperation and partnership.
Welcoming President Von Der Leyen for the Ukraine Recovery Conference
The Prime Minister expressed his anticipation for President Von Der Leyen’s visit to London for the Ukraine Recovery Conference, scheduled for this week. The conference aims to gather international support for Ukraine’s recovery efforts and drive long-term public and private investments in the country. This collaborative approach highlights the commitment of both the UK and the EU in supporting Ukraine’s progress and stability.
Combating Illegal Migration and People-Smuggling
The leaders reflected on the tragic shipwreck incident in Greece that occurred recently, shedding light on the brutal business model employed by people-smuggling gangs. They reiterated their determination to work closely together to dismantle criminal enterprises involved in illegal migration. The UK’s cooperation with the EU border agency Frontex was emphasized as a key aspect of this joint effort to tackle the challenges posed by human trafficking and illegal migration.
Advancements in Artificial Intelligence
The Prime Minister shared updates on the UK’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), following his visit to the United States. The leaders engaged in a meaningful discussion on the challenges and opportunities presented by this burgeoning technology. President Ursula Von Der Leyen expressed her endorsement of the UK’s proposal to host a global summit on Artificial Intelligence (AI) later this year, emphasizing the EU’s active involvement and initiatives in this rapidly advancing field. Both parties recognized the importance of cooperation and agreed to work together on a shared approach to maximize the benefits of AI while addressing any potential concerns.
Joint Work on Science, Technology, and Green Ambitions
The Prime Minister and President Von Der Leyen acknowledged the opportunities for the UK and the EU to collaborate further in the realms of science and technology. They recognized the importance of aligning efforts to meet shared green ambitions, emphasizing the need for sustainable development. The Prime Minister expressed hope for progress in discussions regarding the UK’s potential participation in the Horizon Europe program—an EU research and innovation framework. Additionally, they aimed to reach a pragmatic agreement on electric vehicle battery manufacturing, which would support car makers across the continent and contribute to the transition to cleaner transportation.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
