On July 17, Germany and the United Kingdom signed a historic defense agreement in London, known as a “friendship treaty.” This marks a fundamental shift in European security policy in the post-Brexit era.
For the first time since World War II, these two countries have forged a direct bilateral defense pact, building on a 2024 partnership designed to counter Russia’s growing threat. This agreement also signals a renewed alignment of Europe’s core trio. Germany, France, and the UK, originally formed to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions but now expanding its reach into foreign policy, security, economic cooperation, and civil society.
At its heart, the treaty commits both parties to mutual defense: an attack on one is considered an attack on the other, demanding immediate military assistance. Beyond that, it fosters cooperation in defense industries, technology, science, civil society, and migration, key pillars that could underpin a more advanced European security framework.
Europe is sending a message to Moscow and Washington
Its carefully timed announcement sent a clear message both to Moscow and Washington: Europe is reclaiming ownership of its own security. Simultaneously, the UK signed a parallel security agreement with France, including coordination of nuclear deterrents.
Germany’s chancellor welcomed these moves, stressing the importance of trilateral coordination. While he stopped short of calling it a “tripartite alliance,” the implication was unmistakable.
The broader context is clear. Since the war in Ukraine erupted, and amid Washington’s growing strategic ambivalence under Trump’s second term, European nations have been compelled to act independently. Russia continues its aggressive strategy of military force, disinformation, and division, while the United States signals uncertainty. For Europe’s core powers, blind reliance on transatlantic guarantees is no longer tenable.
For the UK, this treaty is a step toward repairing ties with the continent after Brexit. For Germany, it is a decisive break from decades of military restraint and a clear signal of readiness to assume greater regional responsibility.
Two former enemies, bitterly opposed in the 20th century, now share a common purpose: building a stable, coordinated, and balanced front to face regional and global challenges.
The shadow of early 20th-century alliance systems, like the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente, still looms. But today’s reality is fundamentally different. Those alliances were built on suspicion and deterrence. This new partnership is grounded in democratic values, institutional transparency, and strategic coordination. It’s not only about deterrence; it’s about sustainable cooperation.
This pact is not a replacement for NATO’s Article 5. Rather, it is a proactive addition aimed at constructing a flexible, multilayered European security architecture with a shared political backbone. It is not merely reactive but a deliberate step toward shared sovereignty, integrating defense, economy, infrastructure, and knowledge.
Reactions to the shift
Naturally, there is criticism. Some in Germany worry about deepening defense ties with a non-EU member. Others in the UK warn against far-reaching commitments amid internal political and economic uncertainty. Still, the prevailing mood leans in favor of the initiative.
It remains to be seen how global powers, particularly Moscow and Beijing, will respond to the renewed strategic closeness among key European players, including the UK and France.
Moscow might view the alliance as a Western attempt to contain its influence across Eurasia, potentially escalating pressure in Ukraine or the Baltics. Beijing may see the deepening Western-European security cooperation as a challenge to its Belt and Road Initiative and respond by tightening ties with Russia or intensifying efforts to destabilize the EU from within.
Despite the complex geopolitical landscape, the London-Berlin agreement may well mark the start of a new era.
Not a return to old power blocs, but the rise of a confident Europe. One that seeks security and self-determination rooted in liberal values and open to global cooperation, not out of dependency but choice.
Europe is signaling its intent to reclaim its position as an independent global actor, not a satellite of foreign powers, not a mere corridor between Washington and Moscow, but a coherent geopolitical force: sovereign, principled, and united.
The writer is a retired Israeli diplomat who served as ambassador to Hungary and Croatia, following a distinguished career in various senior diplomatic and strategic roles.