STORY
Sir Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have said the UK and EU are committed to improving relations, following talks at the European Political Community summit in Armenia.
In a joint statement, the two leaders said they had discussed ways to deliver benefits for consumers and businesses, as well as strengthening European security. They also looked ahead to the next UK-EU summit and said both sides should be “ambitious” about what could be achieved together.
The meeting included discussion of the UK’s planned participation in the EU’s €90 billion, or £78 billion, loan for Ukraine, which they described as a significant step in the UK-EU defence industrial relationship. The leaders also reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and praised the resilience of the Ukrainian people.
Starmer and von der Leyen also agreed to begin negotiations on UK participation in the European Innovation Council Fund, including the Scaleup Europe Fund. The scheme is intended to support high-growth technology firms and keep promising innovators in Europe.