The UK and Germany have agreed to deepen their cooperation on the safety and security of advanced artificial intelligence, strengthening collaboration on research, testing and the development of international standards for increasingly powerful AI systems.

The agreement, announced in a joint statement by the two governments, recognises the transformative potential of AI while highlighting the importance of managing the risks associated with rapidly evolving technologies. 

The statement says advanced AI offers “enormous opportunities for the prosperity of our economies and societies”, but adds that “with these opportunities come new risks to our security”. It continues: “Ensuring that advanced AI is developed safely and securely is therefore a common strategic interest.”

The collaboration builds on the UK's leadership in AI safety through the AI Security Institute and complements Germany's plans to establish its own national AI safety capability. Both governments believe closer cooperation will help improve the evidence base for AI policy and promote the responsible development of advanced AI technologies.

Germany's Federal Minister for Digital and State Modernisation, Dr Karsten Wildberger, said: 

“We welcome the growing international community of public-sector institutions dedicated to AI security,” adding that closer cooperation should “contribute to, and draw from, that wider effort”.

UK Secretary of State Liz Kendall said: 

“The United Kingdom and Germany are natural partners on these questions,” adding that both governments are committed to ensuring society benefits from advances in artificial intelligence while “its risks are rigorously understood and managed”.

The agreement also reinforces wider European efforts to establish common standards for AI safety and security, with both countries pledging to continue working alongside international partners as AI technologies become increasingly capable and widely deployed.