UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Berlin on August 28, 2024, marked a significant step towards resetting UK-EU relations post-Brexit. In a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Starmer announced plans for a new bilateral treaty between the UK and Germany, set to be finalized by early 2025.The proposed treaty aims to strengthen ties across various sectors, including defense, trade, science, technology, and efforts to combat illegal migration. Scholz welcomed this initiative, stating, ‘I’m pleased to hear that Keir Starmer is seeking a new start in relations with the European Union. We will seize this opportunity’.Starmer emphasized that while this represents a ‘reset’ in UK-EU relations, it does not mean reversing Brexit or rejoining the EU’s single market or customs union. ‘Let me be clear: growth is my government’s number one mission,’ Starmer said, ‘And what we understand clearly is that establishing relationships with our partners here in Germany and across Europe is vital to achieving it’.The leaders also discussed joint efforts to combat illegal migration, with Starmer announcing a ‘joint action plan’ to improve data exchange and intelligence sharing. Both reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict.This visit and the proposed treaty represent a marked shift from the previous Conservative government’s approach. Starmer made this trip just two months into his term, contrasting with his predecessor Rishi Sunak, who waited 18 months before visiting Berlin.While the broad scope of the treaty has raised questions about its practical implications, both leaders view it as a significant step towards rebuilding trust and cooperation between the UK and EU member states. As negotiations proceed in the coming months, the international community will be watching closely to see how this ‘reset’ in relations unfolds.
Key points
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced plans for a new bilateral treaty to be finalized by early 2025.
- The treaty aims to strengthen UK-Germany cooperation in defense, trade, science, technology, and migration.
- Starmer emphasized this ‘reset’ does not mean reversing Brexit or rejoining the EU’s single market.
- Both leaders discussed joint efforts to combat illegal migration and reaffirmed support for Ukraine.
Contradictions👾While Scholz expressed interest in a youth mobility scheme, Starmer stated that he has ‘no plans’ to sign up to it.
