The Prime Minister held talks with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, on Friday, 14 February 2026, on the margins of the Munich Security Conference.
Meeting in Munich, the two leaders underlined their shared determination to strengthen Europe’s collective defences amid an increasingly challenging security landscape. Both agreed that European nations must shoulder more responsibility for their own security, working towards a stronger European contribution within NATO while safeguarding vital transatlantic ties.
The Prime Minister used the meeting to outline his ambition for a renewed and forward-looking UK-EU partnership. He argued that deeper cooperation across the economy, defence and technology would enhance security, drive economic growth and raise living standards in the United Kingdom.
Emphasising the primacy of the national interest, the Prime Minister said he would always push for outcomes that deliver the greatest benefit for the British people.
Looking ahead, both sides agreed to intensify preparations for the next UK-EU summit. They also committed to accelerating existing negotiations, including a potential food and drink agreement to help reduce prices, closer alignment on emissions trading to cut energy bills, and a youth experience scheme designed to expand opportunities for young people to live, work and travel abroad.
The discussions signalled a renewed momentum in UK-EU relations, with security, prosperity and opportunity at the heart of the agenda. Photo by © European Union, 2026, Wikimedia commons.