Description: In his first official visit to the UK, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz vowed expanded strategic ties with Britain as he signed the so – called Kensington agreement with UK’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer. The main topic of the meeting was tackling illegal migration, deeper economic and defense cooperation and a potential trilateral alliance between Germany, the UK and France. The Chancellor and the Prime Minister reportedly concluded agreements on 17 joint projects for future completion that envisaged extended cooperation in several key areas such as defense research and development, the incentivization of tourism and student exchanges, as well as larger infrastructural projects such as a railway directly connecting Berlin and London. Ukraine was also touched upon as both leaders agreed on their respective countries participating in the acquisition of the Patriot defense missiles and other military equipment supplied by the US for Ukraine’s defense in the war against Russia.
Impact: The consolidation between Europe’s pioneering and pivotal countries signals a potential long – term preparedness by Europe regarding the continent’s gradual but increased decentralization from its strategic alliance with the US. After hosting French President Emmanuel Macron, last week, Prime Minister Starmer continues his country’s rapprochement towards Europe in an attempt to form a centralized European front of countries that would potentially spearhead the continent’s defense and economic independence. The potential for a trilateral alliance outside of the EU and NATO frameworks between France, Germany and the UK would strengthen Europe’s deterrent capabilities facing threats from archenemies such as China and Russia. The Kensington agreement also addresses an important issue for continental Europe by tackling illegal migration which is experiencing large – scale resurgence precipitated by the wars in Africa, the Middle East and Ukraine.