German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed an unprecedented bilateral friendship treaty in London on Thursday, cementing enhanced cooperation on security and nuclear deterrence, Euractiv reported.
The agreement crowns diplomatic efforts initiated last summer between Starmer and former Chancellor Olaf Scholz, aiming to cover the “full bandwidth of the relationship” in a framework comparable to the 2019 Franco-German Treaty of Aachen.
Central to the pact is a commitment for Berlin and London to “pursue deep exchanges” and maintain “a close dialogue” on defence strategy, explicitly including “nuclear issues” and “nuclear threats.” This aligns with Merz’s controversial push to extend Franco-British nuclear deterrence across Europe.
The treaty establishes annual strategic dialogues between foreign ministers and introduces a mutual assistance clause that will “complement and strengthen” existing NATO and E3 (UK-France-Germany) commitments, according to a German government source.
The accord builds upon 2024’s Trinity House Agreement, reflecting shared concerns over post-Brexit cooperation and potential US disengagement from European security. A senior EU diplomat noted such treaties aim to “strengthen the individual threads within the web of European relations” damaged by Britain’s EU exit.
Beyond defence, the treaty commits both nations to combat migrant smuggling, uphold the 1.5°C global warming limit, and expand youth exchanges. While the UK sought stronger trade provisions, these were constrained by EU competencies.
Negotiations had stalled following Germany’s 2024 government collapse but resumed after Merz took office, involving a review and “resharpening” of security clauses.
The treaty now requires ratification by Germany’s Bundestag. The agreement completes the E3’s “triangle” of major bilateral frameworks, positioning Germany and the UK as pivotal anchors in continental stability.
