The leaders of Germany and the United Kingdom have announced plans to develop a treaty aimed at strengthening trade, defense, and other ties between the two nations. This initiative comes as the new U.K. Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, moves forward with efforts to reset relations with the European Union.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his support for Starmer's vision of a fresh start in EU relations, stating that they are eager to seize this opportunity for collaboration. Starmer, who assumed office in July, is determined to mend the strained relations resulting from the Brexit negotiations.
The goal is to finalize the bilateral agreement with Germany, the largest economy in Europe, by the end of the year. The comprehensive treaty will cover various aspects, including trade, the economy, defense, and other critical issues. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to supporting Ukraine militarily.
In addition to defense cooperation, the two countries intend to create a joint action plan to address illegal migration. Starmer's government faces challenges in managing migrant crossings in the English Channel, although they have abandoned previous plans for relocation to Rwanda.
Migration remains a pressing issue for Scholz's administration, particularly following a recent attack in Solingen involving a suspected extremist from Syria. The proposed U.K.-Germany treaty draws inspiration from agreements between Britain and France on defense, security, and enhanced law enforcement efforts against human trafficking.
Starmer's early visit to Berlin signals his commitment to fostering closer ties with Germany. While he aims for a reset in EU relations, he has ruled out certain measures such as rejoining the single market or customs union. Instead, the focus is on strengthening economic cooperation, defense collaboration, and cultural exchanges.
