British and German leaders Starmer and Merz share a strong bond, as evidenced by their current relationship in this morning's political landscape. - Proposals from the Commission have been put forward in this regard.
In a significant move, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are set to sign a groundbreaking treaty on Thursday, marking the first of its kind between the two nations. The German-British Friendship and Cooperation Treaty aims to deepen the bilateral partnership on key issues including defense, security, and migration, offering significant practical benefits for citizens of both countries.
**Key details and purpose of the treaty:**
The treaty strengthens the UK-Germany partnership with a shared focus on disrupting migrant smuggling. Germany commits to criminalizing the facilitation of illegal migration to the UK, with new legislation expected by the end of 2025. This move targets smuggling networks by enabling law enforcement to investigate and act against facilities storing dangerous boats used for unlawful crossings.
Boosting joint defense exports and collaboration, the treaty will enhance capability and trade in defense technologies between the two countries. Furthermore, it facilitates economic investment and job creation, with significant investments planned by AI and energy firms in the UK, supporting high-skilled employment.
**Impact on defense and security in Europe:**
The treaty signals a closer UK-Germany security partnership post-Brexit, facilitating joint efforts to counter organized crime and illegal migration routes that affect European stability. By criminalizing migrant smuggling facilitation on German soil, it clamps down on the supply chains that enable dangerous crossings to the UK, supporting wider EU and European migration control efforts.
Enhanced cooperation in defense exports underscores a strategic alignment in military and security technology, bolstering collective European defense capabilities through improved UK-German ties. The close partnership between Berlin and London, with the UK being a nuclear power, offers valuable security to both sides, particularly in light of the war in Ukraine and the threat from Russia.
**The EU Budget and Climate Change:**
Meanwhile, the European Union has presented a new long-term budget for the years 2028 to 2034, proposing an increase to around two trillion euros. However, the member states, including Berlin, are not happy about it. Agriculture is skeptical about the budget proposals, with Federal Minister of Agriculture Alois Rainer describing it as a "dangerous cut". The German federal government cannot accept the Commission's proposal and expresses concern over the additional burden on companies that the authority has planned.
Emissions trading, introduced in Europe 20 years ago, has shown positive changes in greenhouse gas emissions. In Germany, the 1716 installations covered by the EU emissions trading system emitted around 273 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents in 2019, marking a 5.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Across Europe, the emissions trading system has led to a 47% decrease in Germany and a 51% decrease in overall emissions.
In conclusion, the German-British Friendship and Cooperation Treaty represents a commitment to stronger defense and security cooperation that is expected to improve law enforcement effectiveness against criminal networks and foster greater collaboration on defense industry trade, contributing to stability and security across Europe. The timing of the treaty is significant, as the transatlantic security foundation is wobbling with Donald Trump back in the White House. With Paris (also a nuclear power) on their side, a new strong triangle emerges in Europe that can hold its own with Moscow and Washington.
- The Commission is also proposing to extend the period of validity of the German-British Friendship and Cooperation Treaty to cover the same duration as the agreement, aiming to strengthen the long-term partnership.
- Climate change and environmental science are key aspects of the EU Budget, as the emissions trading system, introduced 20 years ago, has led to a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in Germany and across Europe.
- The proposed treaty between Germany and Britain might have implications for policy and legislation, as Germany has expressed concern over the Commission's proposed budget for the EU, especially in relation to the additional burden on companies.
- The German-British Friendship and Cooperation Treaty may impact the policy and legislation regarding war and conflicts, as enhanced cooperation in defense exports will help bolster collective defense capabilities and form a strategic alignment in military and security technology within the EU.
