Germany and UK Strengthen Alliance Amid Shifting Global Security Landscape

While Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to London this Thursday will be more understated compared to last week's state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, it signifies a strengthening of European unity in response to external security challenges.

Officials from both Germany and the United Kingdom have indicated that the two nations are set to finalize a treaty covering defense, energy, economic collaboration, and migration. This agreement is expected to expand upon last October’s defense pact, which included joint military exercises and the development of advanced weaponry.

Since assuming office in May, Chancellor Merz, a center-right figure, has become a pivotal player in Europe’s push for greater security autonomy amid shifting U.S. foreign policy priorities. Similarly, Prime Minister Keir Starmer aims to reinforce the UK’s role in supporting Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia.

Though details remain under negotiation, the treaty will likely include a mutual defense clause, where an attack on either country is considered an attack on both.

This mutual defense commitment echoes a recent pledge by Britain and France to coordinate their nuclear arsenals more closely in defense of European allies.

Germany, while not a nuclear power, ranks as the third-largest military supplier to Ukraine after the U.S. and the UK. Under Chancellor Merz’s leadership, Germany plans to increase defense spending to 3.5 percent of GDP by 2029—marking its most significant military buildup since the Cold War.