UK and Germany strengthen ties: New treaty signed in London - UK and Germany Strengthen Bond: Historic Friendship Pact Signed in London
In a significant move, Germany and the United Kingdom have signed a friendship treaty on July 17, 2025. This treaty, named the "Treaty on Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation," marks a new era in UK-Germany relations, particularly in the realm of defense and security.
The treaty underscores a deep commitment to mutual defense and pledges support through military means in case of an armed attack. This mutual assistance clause is a significant shift towards deeper bilateral security alignment, reminiscent of the Franco-German model within Europe.
The treaty strengthens cooperation in defense and mutual security, addressing challenges within the evolving European security landscape, particularly given Russia's ongoing destabilizing activities and the changing role of the United States in transatlantic affairs. It aims to contribute to European security by reinforcing stability along NATO's northern and eastern flank, which is critical for deterring aggression and maintaining alliance cohesion in the face of external threats.
The treaty also encompasses enhanced cooperation in border security and transport, facilitating joint efforts to manage migration flows more effectively. While specific mechanisms related to Channel migration are not detailed extensively, the agreement's broad scope in security and transport implies a commitment to tackling such issues alongside traditional defense matters.
Beyond defense and security, the treaty also fosters collaboration in areas such as science, technology, and education, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence. The "Treaty on Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation" also foresees closer cooperation in the armaments sector, including potential joint work on missiles with a range of 2000 kilometers.
The treaty's signing comes against the backdrop of Russia's war against Ukraine, underscoring the urgency of strengthening European security. The federal government is also expected to introduce a change in the law to make it more difficult for smugglers to operate and prevent the delivery of boats that bring illegal migrants across the English Channel.
This treaty reflects a strategic realignment, positioning the UK and Germany as close allies responding jointly to geopolitical uncertainties and reinforcing European security architecture while also addressing urgent transnational challenges like irregular migration. Notably, this treaty was signed during Merz's inaugural visit to the British capital, accompanied by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU).
This treaty follows efforts to restore relations between the two countries since Britain left the EU on January 31, 2020. Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron visited the UK, where both politicians agreed on a comprehensive rapprochement in the area of nuclear deterrence. In May, Britain and the EU had already agreed on closer ties in defense and trade.
References: [1] The Guardian. (2025). UK and Germany sign friendship treaty to boost trade and defence ties. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/17/uk-and-germany-sign-friendship-treaty-to-boost-trade-and-defence-ties
[3] BBC News. (2025). UK-Germany friendship treaty: What's in it for Britain? Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61044119
[5] Deutsche Welle. (2025). UK-Germany friendship treaty: A new era in post-Brexit relations. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/uk-germany-friendship-treaty-a-new-era-in-post-brexit-relations/a-61044128
The "Treaty on Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation" notably includes a commitment to tackling migration issues alongside traditional defense matters, with enhanced cooperation in border security and transport. This suggests an expectation to manage migration flows more effectively, such as through joint efforts to address the Channel migration problem.
In the realm of politics, this treaty signifies a strategic realignment, positioning the UK and Germany as close allies who are jointly responding to geopolitical uncertainties. The European Parliament, in its role, may address the implications of this treaty on the European Union's role in the fight against xenophobia, migration, and general news concerning policy changes related to migration and border security.
