Germany's Chancellor Merz Proposes Friendship Pact with the UK, Despite Berlin's Rejection of a Two-Billion-Euro State Agreement
In a significant development, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a comprehensive Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation Treaty on July 17, 2025, in London. This treaty marks a new phase in the relationship between the two nations, five and a half years after Brexit.
The treaty, which is the result of a year-long negotiation process starting in September 2024, aims to improve and strengthen bilateral relations in key areas such as security, defense, economy, migration, and civil society. The agreement establishes a robust legal framework for collaboration for decades to come.
One of the key aspects of the treaty is the commitment to deliver 17 cooperative projects. These projects range from supporting Ukraine's recovery efforts to defense cooperation and beyond. A Joint Cabinet will review the progress of these projects every two years.
In the defense sector, the treaty builds on the 2024 Trinity House Defence Agreement by committing both countries to deepen defense ties. This includes initiatives to develop a new Deep Precision Strike missile system as a conventional deterrent in Europe, and mutual assistance in case of attacks.
In terms of economic and trade cooperation, the treaty includes plans for joint export promotion for military equipment such as Boxer armored vehicles and Typhoon jets, as well as investment deals between the UK and Germany, Europe’s two largest economies. This aims to enhance trade relations without the UK rejoining the EU’s single market or customs union.
The treaty also addresses the issue of migrant smuggling. Merz has committed to reform German laws to disrupt illegal migrant smuggling routes destined for the UK across the Channel. This reflects a broader commitment to combat migration challenges jointly.
Strategic coordination on global issues is another focus of the treaty. Germany and the UK align on international challenges like Iran, Indo-Pacific security, and participation in multilateral formats (E3, Weimar+), emphasizing continuous coordination with the United States and European partners.
The treaty signing is a symbolic event that reflects the importance both countries place on their bilateral relationship. It is expected to have a positive impact on the future of bilateral relations between Germany and the UK. The treaty awaits formal approval by the German Bundestag.
In conclusion, this treaty sets a comprehensive and strategic basis for intensified UK-Germany cooperation spanning defense, economic ties, migration control, and global diplomacy, signaling a renewed and strong bilateral alliance after years of tension following Brexit.
The treaty includes a commitment to apply joint export promotion policies for military equipment like Boxer armored vehicles and Typhoon jets, which falls under the umbrella of economic and trade cooperation. The treaty also plans to address policy-and-legislation matters, such as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's pledge to reform laws to combat illegal migrant smuggling routes towards the UK, demonstrating their combined efforts on general-news issues like migration.
