The UK and Germany signed a landmark friendship treaty on Thursday, nearly a decade after Brexit, deepening collaboration across defense, transport and migration. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's first trip to London underlines a fresh chapter in post-Brexit relations.
Merz's one-day visit comes on the heels of French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit, reflecting a new wave of cooperation among Europe's leading powers amid fresh US tariffs and questions about America's commitment to European defense.
Nicolai von Ondarza of Berlin's SWP think-tank describes the treaty as a sign of normalization in German-British ties and a clear statement of the UK's growing role as a security partner in an unpredictable global landscape.
Deepening Defense Ties
The treaty builds on last year's defense deal, pledging joint export campaigns for the Typhoon Eurofighter jet and the Boxer armoured vehicle. It reverses a decade of restrictions on Typhoon sales to countries like Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, aiming to boost orders for European-designed systems.
German defense tech firm Stark will open its first overseas production facility in Britain to develop AI-powered unmanned systems, marking a milestone in industrial cooperation.
Beyond Defense
On transport, the agreement commits both nations to explore a new direct rail link, promising faster, greener travel between London and Berlin. In migration policy, Germany will outlaw facilitation of illegal crossings to the UK by year-end, empowering law enforcement to dismantle smuggling networks and manage asylum flows.
As Europe navigates shifting alliances and security challenges, the UK-Germany friendship treaty offers a blueprint for deeper bilateral ties and collective resilience.
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UK, Germany sign friendship treaty, deepening ties in face of threats
cgtn.com
