UK and Germany strengthen ties to tackle migrant smuggling

On July 17, 2025, in London, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signed a significant treaty aimed at enhancing defense relations and addressing the illegal smuggling of migrants across the English Channel. This treaty comes during Merz's first official visit to the UK as chancellor, following Starmer's earlier visit to Berlin in August 2024, when he laid the groundwork for this 'friendship and cooperation' treaty under the previous German leader, Olaf Scholz. The treaty addresses a critical concern regarding the smuggling of migrants, with a staggering number of approximately 37,000 crossings detected in the year 2024, and more than 20,000 in just the first half of 2025. The parties involved are responding to these developments not just for humanitarian reasons but also to fortify their countries’ security measures. During the signing, it was reiterated that the situation has led to numerous fatalities among those attempting the perilous journey. Under the upcoming law changes in Germany, facilitating such smuggling will become a criminal offense, empowering law enforcement to take effective action against those who enable this dangerous trade. Moreover, the treaty builds upon a defense agreement signed in the previous year, signaling a growing cooperation between two of Europe's largest economies in response to threats posed by actors such as Russia. Germany's commitment to introducing necessary legal changes by the end of the year is seen as a pivotal step forward. The treaty not only covers migration and security but also includes plans for economic cooperation, such as joint military exports and investment deals. Starmer's approach emphasizes the easing of post-Brexit tensions and prioritizes improving relations that have been strained in recent years by the acrimonious departure of Britain from the European Union. While he has ruled out rejoining the EU's single market, Starmer is determined to lower trade barriers and enhance defense collaborations with European partners. This treaty is seen by both leaders as a renewed commitment to partnership, enhancing their collaborative efforts in both national and international arenas.