Londonvisit marks Merz's signing of a friendly agreement with the United Kingdom - Proposal by the Commission for a harmonized food labeling law across Member States
In a historic move, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany, accompanied by Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, is currently in London for a significant meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom. The visit, Merz's first to London since assuming office, is expected to culminate in the signing of a landmark Friendship and Cooperation Treaty.
This treaty, set to be signed on July 17, 2025, signifies a post-Brexit renewal of UK-Germany relations, marking a shift from strained relations to a partnership focused on security and economic cooperation. The treaty aims to deepen the partnership between the two nations and deliver tangible benefits for their citizens.
A central feature of the treaty is a mutual defense pledge, committing both countries to coordinate closely in the face of shared security threats. This goes beyond their NATO membership by emphasizing deeper collaboration on defense. The treaty also includes commitments to boost joint defense exports, particularly involving military technology such as Boxer armored vehicles, Typhoon fighter jets, and plans for a jointly developed long-range missile system to be delivered within the next decade.
The treaty also addresses a pressing humanitarian and security concern by agreeing for Germany to criminalize facilitating illegal migration to the UK. This move aims to reduce illegal crossings and dismantle criminal gangs operating across Europe.
The treaty complements ongoing efforts to support Ukraine, underscoring the UK's and Germany's role as leading European backers of Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict.
The friendship treaty is expected to strengthen European and transatlantic security through closer defense ties, joint weapons development, and coordinated support to Ukraine—a crucial issue amid rising global security challenges. Economically, the treaty facilitates cooperation not only in defense but also in technology investment and trade, benefiting both nations’ citizens and industries.
During the meeting, the leaders are also expected to discuss further support for Ukraine. The focus of the meeting, however, is likely to be defense, reflecting the significant emphasis placed on this area in the forthcoming friendship treaty.
This Friendship Treaty is a landmark agreement rebuilding trust and cooperation between Germany and the UK, especially in defense collaboration, tackling illegal migration, and jointly supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and security. The meeting between Chancellor Merz and UK Leader Starmer is a testament to the strengthening of bilateral relations post-Brexit.
In this treaty, the EC countries, namely Germany and the United Kingdom, have committed to strengthening their cooperation with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in the face of shared security threats such as war-and-conflicts. This treaty, among its various provisions, includes a policy-and-legislation component where Germany agrees to criminalize facilitating illegal migration to the UK. The agreement also highlights the nations' political commitment to collaborate on the development and export of military technology, and to address pressing humanitarian and security concerns together. Overall, this Friendship Treaty is a significant step towards deepening the partnership between the two nations, with the aim of delivering tangible benefits for their citizens, and strengthening European and transatlantic security.
