Von der Leyen to convene leading AI labs on EU risk-mitigation plan
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced she will invite top frontier AI labs to discuss how the EU can help manage artificial-intelligence risks.
During her yearly speech to the European Parliament, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she will summon the main frontier artificial-intelligence laboratories for talks on curbing AI-related dangers. The move targets companies such as Anthropic and OpenAI, which develop the most advanced models worldwide. The call comes after Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon resigned, accusing his former employer and OpenAI of pursuing self-improving superintelligence without sufficient responsibility.
Von der Leyen argued that the EU's newly adopted AI rules give Europe a chance to influence global safety efforts. In addition, she signaled a plan to prohibit social-media platforms from being used by anyone under 15 unless they can demonstrate child safety, with specifics to be announced on Thursday.
Why it matters
EU leaders are seeking coordinated action with top AI firms to address emerging safety concerns and shape global standards.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 EU ministers clash over budget cuts as frugal states demand higher ambition
- Sep 4 EU leaders will hear Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union speech, where climate policy is expected to feature after a scorching summer.
- Sep 6 Von der Leyen will address climate issues in her September 16 State of the Union speech.
- Sep 7 Trump’s latest comments added a new criticism of Spain’s immigration handling since his earlier “ruined country” statement.
- Sep 7 Estonia is the only EU member pushing for platform design changes to safeguard minors, opposing the bloc’s planned social-media ban for children.
- Sep 7 EU officials and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are preparing a new partnership that would deepen cooperation in commerce, security, space research and critical minerals. Ursula von der Leyen is expected to announce the initiative in her upcoming European Parliament speech, with a summit slated for Canada in October. The talks aim to create a tightly linked alliance that can balance the influence of the United States and China. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has urged the formation of new alliances to counter perceived threats, without directly naming Canada as a US state.
- Sep 11 President Nicușor Dan will attend the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland on September 13-14, 2026, alongside leaders from Germany, Poland, Denmark and EU officials.
- Sep 12 The German chancellor’s meeting brought frugal leaders together and featured Draghi’s call for higher borrowing, adding a new dimension to the budget dispute.
- Sep 13 Macron’s written request to von der Leyen for a Europe‑wide legal instrument has entered the debate.
- Sep 13 Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to Strasbourg to speak to the European Parliament after the commission president’s address.
- Sep 14 The summit is being held in Rovaniemi, Finland.
- Sep 14 Bucharest will host an upcoming Eastern Flank summit.
- Sep 14 France plans to forward the amended draft to the European Commission on Monday.
- Sep 15 Leaders issued a joint declaration urging the EU to adopt a stronger, better‑funded Arctic strategy.
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