During the Council of Europe Summit in Iceland, the Prime Minister met with European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen.
They agreed on the necessity of continuing trade and other linkages between the United Kingdom and the European Union via the Trade and Cooperation Agreement framework in advancing mutual economic progress. The council discussed various topics, from stopping the boats to bolstering Ukrainian defence.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister briefed President Von der Leyen on President Zelenskyy‘s travel to the United Kingdom. The leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining our support for Ukraine at this critical juncture, particularly through sanctions on Russia. They agreed that this week’s G7 Summit in Japan would be an opportunity to display worldwide solidarity with Ukraine.
The Prime Minister and President Von der Leyen emphasised the UK and EU’s joint interest in combating cross-border crime and human trafficking.
They decided to expand EU-UK migration cooperation by adopting a new working arrangement between UK agencies and Frontex, allowing us to collaborate on crucial operational and strategic concerns such as the situation in the Channel.
The UK and EU teams will now debate the specifics and implementation of this new working arrangement.
The Council of Europe Summit named new Heads of Mission (HoM) for two EU civilian missions today: the EU Capacity Building Mission in Niger (EUCAP Sahel Niger) and the EU Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform in Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine).
Katja Dominik has been named Head of Mission for EUCAP Sahel Niger until September 30, 2024. She is a German national who is now the Deputy Head of Mission and Chief of Staff for the EU Police and Rule of Law Mission in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (EUPOL COPPS). The appointment is effective immediately.