London, UK – July 18, 2025 –
In a significant move aimed at fortifying Europe’s security architecture amidst rising global challenges, the United Kingdom and Germany today signed a comprehensive treaty on defense, trade, and migration. The agreement, hailed as the most significant bilateral accord between the two nations since the end of World War II, underscores a renewed commitment to deeper cooperation as Europe grapples with an aggressive Russia and evolving geopolitical landscapes, particularly in light of shifting U.S. foreign policy.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signed the wide-ranging “Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation Treaty” in London, marking a new chapter in post-Brexit relations. The treaty’s focus on defense is particularly notable, signaling a clear intent to enhance European contributions to collective security.
Deepening Defense Ties and Mutual Assistance
Central to the new treaty is a robust commitment to deepening defense cooperation. Both nations pledged to build a much deeper, long-term defense partnership, enabling them to address threats and strengthen NATO. The agreement builds on the 2024 Trinity House Agreement on Defence co-operation, affirming a shared commitment to the security of the Euro-Atlantic area.
Key defense provisions include:
* Deep Precision Strike Capability: Advancing work to jointly develop a new Deep Precision Strike capability, aiming to deliver a conventional deterrent in Europe with a range of over 2,000 km within a decade. This initiative, part of the broader European Long Range Strike Approach (ELSA), is set to be among the most advanced systems ever designed.
* Uncrewed Aerial Systems and Future Connectivity:
Continuing ongoing UK-Germany coordination on the development, procurement, and doctrine of uncrewed aerial systems (drones). Both air forces have developed a detailed “Flight Plan” to increase their future connectivity. German defense startup Stark, a producer of drones for Ukraine, announced it will open a factory in England as part of this cooperation.
* Joint Military Exercises and Training: Committing to conduct joint military and training exercises.
* Cyber Threats and Information Warfare: Coordinating efforts to counter cyber threats and information warfare.
* Joint Export Campaigns:
Pledging to pursue joint export campaigns to secure international orders for military equipment co-produced by the two countries, such as the Typhoon Eurofighter jet and Boxer armored vehicles, which is expected to lead to billions of pounds in additional defense exports.
* Mutual Assistance Clause:
The treaty includes a promise to “assist one another, including by military means, in case of an armed attack on the other.” While both countries are NATO members and already bound by the alliance’s mutual defense pact, this explicit bilateral commitment further underscores their resolve. The treaty also states that the countries will “maintain a close dialogue on defence issues of mutual interest including on nuclear issues.”
Boosting Trade and Economic Links
Beyond defense, the treaty also aims to strengthen bilateral trade within the framework of existing European Union-Britain agreements and a shared commitment to free and open markets. The agreement pledges to increase employment and grow the number of high-quality jobs in both nations. This includes the establishment of a new UK-Germany Business Forum to improve business and investment relationships. Trade between the UK and Germany already accounts for 8.5% of all UK trade and supports almost 500,000 jobs.
Tackling Irregular Migration
A significant element of the treaty addresses the shared challenge of irregular migration. The UK and Germany committed to a joint fight against organized cross-border crime involving migrant smuggling. Crucially, Germany pledged to criminalize the facilitation of illegal migration to the UK by the end of the year. This law change will provide law enforcement with new tools to investigate and take action against facilities used by smugglers to conceal small boats intended for illegal crossings of the English Channel. Prime Minister Starmer emphasized that the treaty demonstrates both countries “mean business” when it comes to disrupting the arrival of refugees and migrants.
A Broader European Push for Security
The UK-Germany treaty comes amidst a wider European push to bolster security and defense capabilities, partly driven by Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and perceived wavering support from the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration. European leaders have been increasingly vocal about the need for greater strategic autonomy and increased military spending.
Chancellor Merz described the treaty as “a historic day for German-British relations,” emphasizing a “new chapter” following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. Prime Minister Starmer hailed the agreement as “the first of its kind” that “will bring the U.K. and Germany closer than ever.” The 17 priority projects outlined in the treaty’s implementation plan, spanning everything from Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction to uncrewed aerial systems and future connectivity, are set to be reviewed by a Joint Cabinet every two years, solidifying a long-term partnership in the face of evolving global challenges.
