UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is embarking on a significant diplomatic mission to Germany and France, aiming to negotiate a major defence and economic agreement that could redefine the UK’s relationship with Europe. During his two-day visit, Starmer will focus on mending strained ties and pursuing new avenues for collaboration, particularly in the military and economic sectors.
In Berlin, Starmer will engage in talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to develop a comprehensive pact designed to strengthen military cooperation and deepen partnerships in trade and energy. Starmer has stressed the importance of moving past the turbulent relations shaped by the previous Conservative administration, declaring, “It’s time to move beyond Brexit and repair the fractured bonds with our European neighbors.”
As key NATO members and leading defence spenders in Western Europe, the UK and Germany are eager to enhance their defence collaboration, especially amid concerns that U.S. military support for Ukraine might wane, particularly if Donald Trump were to reclaim the presidency. Trump has previously suggested reassessing NATO’s role and has been non-committal about future aid to Ukraine.
The envisioned UK-Germany defence alliance may draw parallels with the 2010 Lancaster House Treaty between the UK and France, which included agreements on joint military forces and shared defence capabilities. Over the next six months, both nations plan to continue negotiations with the goal of solidifying the agreement by early next year.
Beyond defence, Starmer will also engage with key German business figures, including Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger and Siemens Energy CEO Christian Bruch. These discussions will center on boosting investment in the UK and creating high-skilled jobs.
Starmer’s visit will also take him to Paris, where he will attend the opening ceremony of the Paralympics and meet with French President Emmanuel Macron. Meetings with executives from major companies like Thales and Eutelsat are also on the agenda.
The UK government under Starmer is keen on forging a stronger economic relationship with Europe, aiming for a trade deal more advantageous than the one secured by Boris Johnson in 2020. This effort includes proposals to reduce border checks on food imports, ease regulatory burdens for performers touring Europe, and improve the recognition of professional qualifications across borders.
