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UK and Germany Set to Sign Landmark Defense Treaty to Strengthen European Security
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
The United Kingdom and Germany are preparing to sign a wide-ranging bilateral treaty that includes a mutual defense clause, Politico reported on July 2, citing five sources familiar with the negotiations.
The agreement, expected to be finalized and signed later this month, aims to deepen cooperation between the two countries in security, defense, and economic development. Its foundation was laid last summer by then-Chancellor Olaf Scholz and current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a joint declaration committing to closer strategic ties.
According to two UK officials, the text of the treaty is nearly complete. Signing is anticipated before the summer recess of both parliaments.
A key element of the treaty will be a mutual assistance clause based on the 2023 Trinity House Agreement, which states that any strategic threat to one country will be considered a threat to the other.
This provision would give Germany a formal defense arrangement with both European nuclear powers—France and the UK—supporting the vision of newly appointed Chancellor Friedrich Merz to strengthen Europe’s deterrence capabilities independently of the US.
While reaffirming NATO as the cornerstone of collective defense, the treaty signals a growing push among European allies to build tighter security ties amid Washington’s gradual pivot from transatlantic commitments.
The document is also expected to cover cooperation on illegal migration, transport, scientific research, innovation, and cross-border exchange. A German Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed that the treaty would reflect the full scope of bilateral relations.
Earlier, Ukrainian defense-tech company Skyeton partnered with British firm Prevail Partners to establish a joint venture aimed at promoting and potentially manufacturing the Raybird unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for the UK Armed Forces.
