Britain Deepens Strategic Ties with Germany and France

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Britain is renewing its cooperation with key European allies Germany and France through a series of bilateral treaties focused on defence, migration, and trade. The move marks a pragmatic post-Brexit pivot aimed at securing European stability in an increasingly volatile global climate.

In a clear signal of renewed collaboration, a treaty was recently signed between Britain and Germany at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. This “Kensington Treaty” outlines commitments across several areas, including joint military exercises, cyber defence, arms coordination, and climate goals. This development comes shortly after the French president’s state visit to the United Kingdom, which included significant defence cooperation agreements.

These events collectively revive the relevance of the E3, a flexible diplomatic group formed by the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Originally established to address concerns around Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the E3 is now being repositioned as a central forum for European diplomacy and security, especially as American global leadership becomes less predictable.

Experts have noted this recalibration in British foreign policy. Professor Dan Hough of the University of Sussex highlighted the growing necessity for European powers to collaborate independently of the United States, stating, “There is now a real push to work constructively… because the American influence was so strong. We can’t rely on that anymore.” Public sentiment echoes this shift, with recent data from the British Foreign Policy Group revealing a drop in public trust toward the United States, from 53 per cent in 2024 to just 38 per cent in 2025. Meanwhile, more than 60 per cent of British citizens now support strengthening ties with European neighbours.

Though the E3 does not operate as a formal institution, its flexibility is considered a strength. As noted by the think tank UK in a Changing Europe, this structure allows Europe’s three leading powers to coordinate quickly on key issues without the bureaucratic hurdles of broader EU institutions.

Strategically, the renewed E3 engagement does not signal a return to the European Union or its single market, a point emphasised by several analysts. John Bryson, a professor at the University of Birmingham, underlined the need for Europe to maintain strategic autonomy in light of shifting U.S. policies. Similarly, Chatham House clarified that while these treaties rebuild trust and operational links, they are not steps toward reversing Brexit.

In sum, Britain’s deeper engagement with Germany and France reflects a grounded and security-focused approach to foreign policy. Rather than nostalgia for past alliances, it demonstrates a forward-looking commitment to stability, shared interests, and European cooperation outside of EU structures.