The United Kingdom and Germany are set to sign a new defense treaty on July 17, right before their parliaments’ summer recess. A report by Politico on Wednesday, citing London officials, indicated that the treaty’s text is nearing completion.
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Mutual Defense Provision
One of the treaty’s key components is a mutual defense clause based on the Trinity House Agreement, which British Defense Secretary John Healey signed with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in October. This clause states that any strategic threat to one party would also be considered a threat to the other.
The provision for mutual assistance between the two nuclear powers aligns with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s goal of strengthening the continent’s defense capabilities independently of the United States.
Closer NATO Partnership
The defense treaty is also expected to reaffirm both countries’ commitment to NATO as the cornerstone of their joint defense efforts. Additionally, the mutual defense provision will likely emphasize stronger security collaboration among European allies.
Other anticipated provisions include joint initiatives on defense research and innovation, enhanced measures against illegal migration, and the promotion of cross-border exchanges.