Britain and Germany Sign Defense Treaty Amid Uncertainty Over Trump

By Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

LONDON/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Britain and Germany signed a landmark treaty Thursday to provide each other defense assistance and closer cooperation on migration, amid European concerns over U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s “America First” stance.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the Kensington Treaty as a “historic” deal that strengthens ties between Europe’s top economies.

Signed at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, the treaty commits the two nations to assist each other — including militarily — in the event of an armed attack, despite both being NATO military alliance members.

“This is a partnership with a purpose,” Starmer said, warning of Europe’s mounting challenges. The agreement, he added, offers “practical cooperation on 17 major projects” aimed at reinforcing European stability.

The treaty comes as European leaders question the reliability of Washington under Trump, who has threatened to withhold U.S. support unless NATO countries increase defense spending.

Britain and Germany have pledged to raise military budgets to 3.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

FIRST TRIP

The treaty follows recent Franco-British agreements on nuclear cooperation, signaling a broader effort to shore up Europe’s defense architecture in a time of transatlantic uncertainty.

Merz, making his first trip to Britain since taking office in May, said it was “no coincidence” he traveled to London shortly after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron.

“The E3 – Great Britain, France and Germany – are converging in their positions on foreign policy, on security policy, on migration policy, but also on economic policy issues,” he stressed..

Merz and Starmer also discussed ways to boost European support for Ukraine, after Trump announced a plan to bolster Kyiv’s stockpile by selling American weapons to NATO allies who would, in turn, send arms to Kyiv.

The German chancellor signaled that those plans are still a work in progress, saying it might take “days, perhaps weeks” before weapons reach Ukraine.

However, the U.S. military said Patriot missile defense systems will reach Ukraine soon in an attempt to stave off growing Russian attacks.

DEFENSE STARTUP

Merz said, however, that “above all, we need clarity on how weapons systems that are given up from the European side will be replaced by the U.S.”

During the trip, the leaders announced that German defense startup Stark, which makes drones for Ukraine, will open a factory in England.

They also agreed to jointly produce defense exports such as Boxer armored vehicles and Typhoon fighter jets, and to develop a deep precision strike missile in the next decade.

Starmer also praised Merz for his help curbing the smuggling gangs that brought 37,000 people across the English Channel from France in small boats in 2024, and more than 22,000 so far in 2025.

Dozens have died attempting the journey.

Berlin agreed last year to make facilitating the smuggling of migrants to Britain a crime.

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