European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she will invite leading frontier AI labs to Brussels for talks on managing risks from advanced AI, following concerns raised by the resignation of Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon. She said recently adopted EU AI rules give Europe leverage to shape global safety standards. Von der Leyen also proposed banning social media access for children under 15 unless platforms can prove they are safe, with details due Thursday.
Von der Leyen to Invite Leading Frontier AI Labs for Talks on Managing Advanced AI Risks
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks during her State of the European Union address (SOTEU) to the European Parliament, in Strasbourg, France, September 16, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman
BRUSSELS, Sept 16 (Reuters) — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday she will invite the leading frontier artificial intelligence labs to meet with EU officials to discuss how to manage the risks posed by increasingly powerful AI systems.
Von der Leyen made the announcement in her annual address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg amid growing concern over the rapid pace of AI development. The issue has gained renewed attention following the resignation of Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon, who accused Anthropic and OpenAI of moving toward self-improving superintelligence without sufficient safeguards. Coxon previously worked at OpenAI.
"I will invite the main frontier labs for a discussion on how we can support ongoing industry efforts to pace the frontier," von der Leyen told EU lawmakers.
Anthropic and OpenAI are widely viewed as the primary frontier labs building the most advanced and powerful AI models. Some researchers and policy experts have urged a temporary slowdown or stronger oversight to ensure these technologies are developed responsibly.
Von der Leyen said recently adopted EU rules governing the use of AI put Europe in a strong position to influence global efforts to address AI risks. She also reiterated a proposal to ban social media access for children under 15 unless platforms can demonstrate their services are safe for minors; she said further details would be published on Thursday.
What This Means: The planned talks signal the EU's intent to engage directly with major AI developers and to push for industry cooperation on safety standards, while using new legislation as leverage to shape global norms.
Reporting by Foo Yun Chee and Inti Landauro; editing by Philip Blenkinsop
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