After Brexit: German-British Friendship Treaty comes into force

The treaty is intended to open a new chapter in the relations of both countries after Brexit. In addition to the friendship treaty, the British Prime Minister is offering Germany cooperation.

Berlin. More than six years after Brexit, Germany and Great Britain have created a new basis for their relations. In the afternoon in the Chancellery, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham brought the German-British Friendship Treaty, which was signed in London last year, into force by exchanging ratification documents.

The 27-page document is also called the Kensington Treaty - after the place where it was signed, the London district of Kensington. The contract is accompanied by a 17-point action plan.

Overall, the aim is to deepen cooperation in defense and economic policy, in curbing irregular migration and in combating cross-border crime. However, concrete travel facilitations such as visa-free travel for school trips by school groups are also planned, as well as a direct rail connection between the two countries.

Merz: They belong together

Merz spoke of a historic day. The treaty opens up new opportunities for cooperation between both countries after Great Britain unfortunately left the European Union.

Above all, it provides better access to both countries for schoolchildren and students. “That's why we're doing this, so that the young generation can see in the bilateral relations between Germany as part of the European Union and Great Britain how well we Europeans work together and how much we belong together,” said the Chancellor.

Burnham: Need collaboration of the highest order

Burnham agreed. “In challenging times, and they are challenging times, we need cooperation of the highest quality with our closest partners, and Germany is indeed one of our closest partners,” the Prime Minister said. The Kensington Treaty will improve security in Europe, grow the economies of both countries and increase the living standards of the population.

The Prime Minister also said that he had signaled to Merz that Britain was open to Germany joining the GCAP fighter jet program, which the British are running together with Italy and Japan. “This is something we want to advance in the coming period in collaboration with our other partners, Italy and Japan,” Burnham said. The German-French fighter jet project FCAS failed this summer.