UK and Germany deepen AI safety cooperation

The United Kingdom and Germany have agreed to strengthen cooperation on AI safety and security, expanding collaboration on advanced AI evaluation, cybersecurity risks and research into frontier AI systems.

Both governments described AI as one of the most consequential technologies of the era, offering significant economic and societal benefits while creating new security risks that require closer international cooperation.

The cooperation builds on the UK–Germany Strategic Science and Technology Partnership, a priority initiative under the UK-Germany Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation Treaty signed last year.

Under the partnership, the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and AI Security Institute will work alongside Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation, the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the German AI Safety and Security Institute.

The partners will deepen institutional cooperation by sharing best practices in AI evaluation, aligning research priorities and exchanging expertise. The collaboration will also examine the cybersecurity implications of advanced AI systems and contribute to the international evidence base on AI safety.

Germany’s Minister Dr Wildberger said the cooperation is open by design and reflects Germany’s position as an EU member state, including the role of the EU AI Office under the EU AI Act. He said the work is intended to be consistent with each country’s engagement with other partners.

UK Secretary Liz Kendall said the UK and Germany are natural partners on AI safety and security because their scientific communities are connected and their security interests are closely aligned.

She said the statement reflects a shared determination to ensure the public benefits from advanced AI while risks are rigorously understood and managed.

The partnership adds to a growing international network of public-sector AI safety institutions. Both governments said their work is intended to complement broader international initiatives while contributing new research and practical experience.

Why does it matter?

The agreement reflects a broader shift in AI governance from national initiatives to international cooperation. As advanced AI systems become more capable, governments are increasingly pooling expertise to improve model evaluation, understand emerging risks and develop common approaches to AI safety and security.

The partnership also reinforces the growing connection between AI governance and cybersecurity. By coordinating research, sharing technical expertise and aligning institutional capabilities, the UK and Germany aim to strengthen preparedness for frontier AI risks while supporting the responsible development and deployment of advanced AI technologies.

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