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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met in the United Kingdom to sign a new bilateral agreement, the Kensington Treaty, on July 17, 2025. The treaty has been named after the location where it was signed.

The treaty outlines 17 major joint projects aimed at strengthening ties across defense, economic cooperation, and immigration. For Germany, the agreement represents an expansion of its strategic partnerships, complementing existing arrangements with other European nations such as France.

Speaking at the Victoria and Albert Museum, Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the urgency of transnational collaboration in an increasingly volatile world. “We see the scale of the challenges our continent faces today, and we intend to meet them head-on,” Starmer said.

“The Kensington treaty is an expression of our shared aims and values. But more than that, it’s a practical work plan setting out 17 major projects where we will come together to deliver real results which will improve people’s lives,” he added.

Chancellor Merz, on his first official visit to London since taking office, praised the treaty as “historic” and underscored the necessity of close UK-German ties in a post-Brexit era.

“We are jointly determined to shape this new era with new leadership opportunities, the United Kingdom and Germany side by side,” Merz stated during a visit to an Airbus facility alongside Starmer.

Working together in a new chapter of our friendship – for the freedom, security, and prosperity of our people.

And for a good perspective for the young generations, in Europe. We are doing this for you.

Thanks for having me in London, dear @Keir_Starmer. pic.twitter.com/GsBNx6K8ID

— Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) July 17, 2025

The treaty is being framed as the most comprehensive bilateral accord between the two nations in modern history, surpassing prior defense and trade arrangements. It follows closely on the heels of French President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day state visit to the UK, reinforcing the emerging trilateral cooperation between Europe’s leading powers.

Geopolitical context

The Kensington Treaty comes at a critical moment for Europe. With Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency, renewed tariffs, and uncertainty about Washington’s long-term commitment to NATO have raised alarms in European capitals. Both Berlin and London have been forced to reconsider strategic autonomy in defense and international diplomacy, especially as the war in Ukraine continues to evolve.

Among the treaty’s most significant aspects is a renewed commitment to military assistance for Ukraine. Both leaders confirmed detailed discussions on ramping up military support to Kyiv, including the provision of long-range strike capabilities, commonly referred to as “long-range fire”, that Ukraine has urgently requested.

“Ukraine will soon receive substantial additional support in this area,” Chancellor Merz confirmed, highlighting the importance of continued pressure on Russia.

A German official earlier in the week noted that the treaty’s mutual assistance clause was “highly significant” in the context of Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine. This builds upon a 2024 defense agreement between the UK and Germany that included cooperation in the development of advanced long-range weapon systems.

Joint exports and shared development

One of the treaty’s most tangible economic components is the pledge by both countries to pursue joint export campaigns, especially for jointly produced military equipment. This includes flagship projects like the Typhoon Eurofighter and the Boxer armored vehicle.

Such cooperation marks a departure from Germany’s previous position, which over the past decade had blocked sales of Typhoon jets to certain countries, including Saudi Arabia and Turkey. With the new treaty, both London and Berlin are aligning their defense industrial strategies to compete more effectively on the global stage.

Additionally, the UK and Germany will deepen cooperation on nuclear policy with parallels to a similar Franco-British agreement announced earlier this month, aimed at enhancing transparency and alignment on their respective nuclear deterrent strategies.

Migration, transport, and youth mobility

While the defense and security elements have drawn the most attention, the Kensington Treaty also contains a suite of initiatives designed to improve connectivity and social exchange between the two nations.

Among the non-military initiatives:

• Direct Rail Link: The two nations have committed to developing a new direct rail link between the UK and Germany, a move expected to reduce travel time and improve trade logistics.
• E-Gate Access: Frequent UK travelers will be granted access to e-gates at German airports, streamlining entry procedures.
• Youth Mobility: The treaty includes a renewed focus on youth exchange programs and educational collaboration.

But perhaps one of the most politically charged components of the treaty is the mutual pledge to combat irregular migration. In a win for Prime Minister Starmer, Germany agreed to introduce legislation by the end of the year that would criminalize the facilitation of illegal migration to Britain. This includes empowering law enforcement to investigate warehouses and storage facilities suspected of storing small boats and other equipment used by migrant smugglers.

This development is especially relevant amid growing concerns in the UK over illegal crossings in the English Channel. By enlisting German support in addressing the logistical backbone of these networks, the UK hopes to make meaningful progress on one of its most contentious domestic policy issues.

The Kensington Treaty signifies more than just bilateral cooperation between the UK and Germany. It is part of a broader recalibration of Britain’s post-Brexit foreign policy, one that recognizes the necessity of deep, strategic partnerships on the continent amid global power realignments and geopolitical threats.

Both Starmer and Merz appeared keen to present the treaty not as an alternative to EU membership, but as a pragmatic and forward-looking framework for cooperation in an uncertain era.