In today’s European Political Community [EPC] meeting in Granada, Spain, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to rally European leaders to address pressing issues, including illegal migration, AI regulation, and Russian aggression. Co-chairing a meeting on illegal migration and organized crime with Italy’s Prime Minister Meloni, Sunak will advocate for more coordinated efforts to combat rising levels of illegal migration to Europe.
Sunak is expected to announce new bilateral initiatives with Belgium, Bulgaria, and Serbia to bolster intelligence sharing and operational cooperation, signalling the UK’s commitment to combatting criminal activities associated with migration.
As new intelligence reveals potential Russian use of sea mines in the Black Sea, Sunak will also emphasise support for Ukraine. Discussions will center on providing air defence, fighter jets, and long-range fires to Ukraine. Additionally, the UK will allocate new humanitarian aid to help Ukrainians survive the winter, with £34 million for shelter and warm clothing and £10 million for household electricity.
In a roundtable session on Artificial Intelligence, the Prime Minister will encourage European states to collaborate on seizing the opportunities of AI while adopting a safe and responsible regulatory approach. Sunak emphasises the need for unity in facing challenges that transcend national borders.
The UK will allocate £500 million via the World Bank to Ukraine, ensuring life-saving winter support payments to three million households. Sunak will underscore the UK’s commitment to wider European security, including responding to the situation in Kosovo and Nagorno-Karabakh.
The Prime Minister, alongside Italy’s Prime Minister Meloni, will convene a small-group meeting to reaffirm their commitment to tackle illegal migration. New initiatives with Belgium, Bulgaria, and Serbia will focus on disrupting organised immigration crime, clandestine entry to the UK, and enhancing cooperation on prosecuting criminal networks.