UK and Germany Sign Comprehensive 'Defense and Migration' Agreement

During his first official visit to the UK since taking office in May, Merz declared, “This is a historic day for German-British relations.”

“Especially following the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union, we want to work together more closely. It's long overdue that we signed such an agreement.”

Prime Minister Starmer described the deal as “the first of its kind,” calling it “a declaration of intent and a reflection of our aim to work more closely than ever.”

The “Kensington Agreement”—the first of its kind since World War II—includes Berlin’s commitment to criminalize facilitating illegal migration to the UK.

The agreement builds on last year’s defense pact between the UK and Germany, both major European supporters of Ukraine, which pledged deeper cooperation in response to growing threats from Russia.

As part of enhanced support for Ukraine, German defense company Stark, known for producing drones, announced it will open a factory in the UK.

The countries also committed to closer collaboration in joint military and training exercises, as well as in combating cyber threats and information warfare.

The leaders further announced a joint export campaign for equipment like Boxer armored vehicles and Typhoon jets, alongside a plan to co-develop long-range precision strike missiles over the next decade.

Source: Euronews