UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged during his Berlin visit on Wednesday that a new treaty with Germany is part of his strategy to repair EU relations strained by Brexit. This initiative, which has been positively received by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, will also involve Starmer's trip to Paris for discussions with President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday. Starmer expressed hope that the proposed treaty, encompassing defense, scientific, technological, and trade collaborations, will be finalized by the end of the year. He described the treaty as a 'once in a generation opportunity' to facilitate a broader reset in UK-EU relations. Scholz expressed support for the 'reset' and stated, 'We want to accept this outstretched hand.' Prior to the July 4 general election, Labour had promised to negotiate a security and defense treaty with Germany, a promise that Starmer fulfilled after winning the election decisively.
Chancellor Scholz, who hosted Starmer, has been under pressure to address illegal migration following a knife attack in Solingen by a Syrian man who had evaded deportation. This incident, which resulted in three deaths and eight injuries, occurred just as Starmer faced early challenges due to anti-immigration riots in Southport. Both leaders have agreed to collaborate on a joint action plan to combat illegal migration and dismantle smuggling networks. They also discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine, reaffirming their steadfast support for Kyiv despite recent doubts about their commitment. Starmer emphasized that the UK and Germany remain resolute in their support for Ukraine, providing necessary assistance for as long as it is needed.
The Western allies have been cautious about Ukraine's recent actions in Kursk, concerned about potential strong reactions from Moscow if their weapons are used on Russian soil. The UK permits Kyiv to use a squadron of 14 British-made Challenger 2 tanks but has restricted the deployment of its long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Starmer clarified that no new decisions have been made regarding tactical weapon use. Germany, on the other hand, has declined to supply long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine due to escalation fears. Despite being the second-largest aid contributor to Ukraine after the United States, Germany plans to reduce its aid budget next year. At the recent European Political Community summit in England, Starmer assured European leaders of the UK's commitment to being a 'friend and partner.' While he has ruled out rejoining the European single market, customs union, or freedom of movement, Starmer aims to negotiate a new security pact with the EU and improve trading agreements, including a veterinary agreement to streamline agricultural food border checks.
