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In a significant move to strengthen ties between the United Kingdom and the European Union, Prime Minister Keir Starmer embarked on his first bilateral trip to Germany since taking office last month. The visit, which included talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, aimed to reset the UK’s relationship with its European partners and explore opportunities for economic growth and cooperation.

One of the key outcomes of the visit was the announcement of a new bilateral treaty between the UK and Germany. This landmark agreement, expected to be finalized by the end of the year, will foster deeper links in areas such as science, technology, development, people, business, and culture. The treaty is seen as a “once-in-a-generation chance to deliver for working people in Britain and Germany,” according to Starmer.

The proposed treaty also includes a defense agreement that will build upon the already strong cooperation between the two countries. This move comes at a crucial time when Western allies are facing pressure to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion. The UK and Germany, as the two largest defense spenders in Western Europe, are keen to solidify their military partnership.

Another key aspect of the visit was the focus on boosting economic growth in both countries. Germany is Europe’s largest economy and the UK’s second-largest trading partner, accounting for 8.5% of all UK trade. Starmer emphasized that strengthening ties with Germany is crucial for tackling illegal migration and driving economic growth across the continent, particularly in the UK.

The visit also highlighted the importance of collaboration in the energy sector. Siemens Energy, a company that supports one-sixth of global energy generation, was on Starmer’s agenda. The Prime Minister’s meeting with Siemens Energy CEO Dr. Christian Bruch underscores the UK’s commitment to exploring opportunities for investment and growth in the energy sector.

Despite the positive outcomes, challenges remain in the UK’s relationship with the EU. While Starmer has pledged to rebuild trust with European allies, he has ruled out rejoining the bloc or re-entering the single market and customs union. This stance may pose obstacles in negotiating the new treaty, as the EU has made it clear that any access to the single market comes with obligations on mobility and alignment with European laws.

Nevertheless, Starmer’s approach represents a departure from the previous government’s stance, which was less open to greater collaboration with the EU. The Prime Minister has expressed his willingness to consider measures such as a visa scheme for young EU nationals, an early priority for Brussels.

As Starmer continues his European tour, visiting Paris for the Paralympics opening ceremony and meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, the focus remains on resetting the UK’s relations with its European partners and driving economic growth. The success of these efforts will be crucial in shaping the UK’s future relationship with the EU and its impact on the European economy as a whole.

Beyond the bilateral talks, Starmer’s visit to Germany signals a broader effort to reposition the UK on the global stage as a reliable partner committed to multilateralism. With a focus on addressing common challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity, and geopolitical tensions, the UK is aiming to align its interests more closely with those of its European neighbors. Starmer’s administration has made it clear that it views this trip as the start of a long-term strategy to strengthen Britain’s influence within Europe while respecting the political realities that have arisen post-Brexit.

In this context, the upcoming months will be critical for Starmer’s government to turn diplomatic gestures into tangible outcomes. By leveraging the strengths of both the UK and Germany, such as their robust innovation ecosystems and leadership in the energy transition, there is a unique opportunity to craft a forward-looking partnership that addresses the evolving needs of both countries and contributes to regional stability and prosperity. This partnership will require careful navigation of political and economic landscapes, but it also offers the promise of a renewed and resilient relationship between two of Europe’s most influential nations.

Written by: Nenad Stekić