Germany, UK to sign mutual assistance defence pact, reports Politico

Reuters

Germany and the United Kingdom are set to sign a defence treaty on 17 July that includes a mutual assistance clause, according to Politico.

The agreement stipulates that a strategic threat to either nation would be regarded as a threat to both.

This move follows a joint declaration made last August by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and then-German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, pledging stronger cooperation in areas such as trade and security.

The final details of the broad agreement are currently being finalised, with defence emerging as a key component, Politico reported, citing two officials based in London.

While both countries remain committed to NATO, the planned treaty reflects a broader European trend, particularly under German Chancellor Friedrich Merz toward enhancing intra-European defence ties and reducing dependence on the United States under President Donald Trump.

Requests for comment from the German defence ministry and the chancellor's office went unanswered.

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