Deepening the bond between Germany and the United Kingdom is the shared goal
In July 2025, the United Kingdom and Germany will forge a new bond with the signing of the Treaty on Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation, also known as the Proposed Comprehensive Friendship Treaty. This treaty marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the two nations, aiming to deepen ties across various domains and tackle global challenges[1][2][3].
The treaty, which builds on the 2024 Trinity House Agreement, establishes a robust defence partnership, focusing on advancing new military capabilities such as the "Deep Precision Strike" and strengthening NATO cooperation[1][2][4]. It also emphasises tackling smuggling and enhancing defence exports[4].
In the realm of economic and financial collaboration, the treaty promotes cooperation between public financial institutions, including the British Business Bank, British International Investment, Germany's KfW, and the National Wealth Fund. This partnership aims to mobilize private capital, develop sustainable markets, and boost growth by sharing expertise and seizing joint investment opportunities[1][2].
Migration and mobility issues are another key area of focus. The treaty deepens cooperation on managing migration challenges, with Germany committing to criminalise facilitating illegal migration towards the UK, specifically targeting smuggling networks[4].
The treaty also covers coordination on international security issues, cooperation in civil society, mutual assistance, and social and cultural exchange[3]. Notably, the UK and Germany will jointly lead efforts in Ukraine's reform, rebuilding, and resilience, strategically coordinating humanitarian, development, peace, and donor actions[1][2].
To ensure the treaty's goals are met and the partnership evolves with changing global circumstances, an Implementation Plan detailing 17 priority projects to be delivered jointly has been included[1][2]. A Joint Cabinet, meeting biennially, will oversee progress. The treaty also sets a legal framework for the bilateral relationship, reflecting a long-term commitment and renewing partnership in diplomacy, trade, security, and societal engagement[3].
The treaty signing event, which will take place in London during Chancellor Friedrich Merz's inaugural visit to the UK, signifies an effort by Germany and the UK to deepen their relations significantly[1][3]. Future school trips by German student groups could potentially be visa-free, as per the action plan supplementing the treaty.
Experts will also explore solutions for "mobility issues" in education, science, culture, and political organizations caused by Brexit. Cooperation in combating cross-border crime, including money laundering, illegal financial flows, and drug trafficking, is another aspect of the treaty.
In summary, the treaty represents a new foundation for UK-Germany relations, elevating cooperation to unprecedented levels. It aims for mutual assistance in security, defence, economic recovery, migration management, and civil society engagement, promoting stability and prosperity not only bilaterally but also in broader international contexts like Ukraine’s recovery and global security[1][2][3][4].
The Treaty on Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation, signed in July 2025, extends beyond the realm of general news and politics, as it encompasses economic and financial collaboration, focusing on joint ventures between institutions like the British Business Bank, KfW, and the National Wealth Fund. Furthermore, the treaty delves into efforts to combat cross-border crimes,such as money laundering and drug trafficking.
