UK-German treaty paves the way for Britons to freely travel with e-passports through German borders
The United Kingdom and Germany have signed a groundbreaking treaty, the British-German Treaty on Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation, marking a significant step forward in their relationship since World War II[1][2][3]. This comprehensive agreement aims to strengthen defense, migration, economic, educational, and scientific ties between the two nations.
Key Details of the Treaty and Its Impact
Defense Cooperation
The treaty formalizes mutual aid commitments in the event either country faces an attack, reinforcing NATO and European security. It builds on a prior 2024 defense pact and includes plans for joint development of advanced military capabilities such as deep precision strike weapons, Boxer armored vehicles, and Typhoon jets[1][2][4].
Migration and Smuggling Crackdown
Germany commits to criminalizing the facilitation of migrant smuggling to the UK, enabling German authorities to disrupt supply chains of illegal vessels crossing the Channel. This involves legal reforms expected to pass by the end of 2025, giving Germany powers to investigate and take action against smugglers' warehouses and storage facilities[1][4].
E-Gates and Border Control
While the treaty does not explicitly mention e-gates, the focus on migration control and border security implies enhanced cooperation on managing migration flows and strengthening controls to prevent irregular migration[1][4].
Rail Links and Transport
The treaty aims to intensify economic and social cooperation, and given the emphasis on bilateral cooperation, transport links such as rail could be part of future projects under the treaty’s broad scope[2][3]. However, no specific mention was found about a new or specific impact on e-gates or new rail link projects within the treaty text or related documents.
Educational and Scientific Cooperation
The treaty includes provisions to facilitate easier school exchange trips, allowing young people from both countries to interact and build stronger cultural ties. It also aims to strengthen cooperation in scientific and social domains through joint projects and programs like the “UK-German Connection” and cultural commissions[1][3].
Additional Initiatives
The treaty outlines 17 priority projects, including joint efforts on Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, aligning humanitarian and peace-building actions. This demonstrates a shared commitment to global challenges beyond bilateral matters[2].
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details | |----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Defense | Mutual aid in attacks; joint development of advanced military equipment; deepened NATO ties[1][2][4] | | Migration | Germany to criminalize smuggling facilitation; disrupt Channel crossing supply chains[1][4] | | E-Gates | No specific mention; implied stronger border control cooperation[1][4] | | Rail Links and Transport | Not explicitly stated; likely included in future economic/social cooperation projects[2][3] | | Educational & Scientific | Easier school exchanges; strengthened cultural and scientific cooperation; youth engagement focus[1][3] | | Other Cooperation Projects | Ukraine recovery coordination; 17 priority joint projects covering economic and social cooperation[2] |
The treaty is described as "the first of its kind" post-World War II and a "statement of intent" to work closer amidst the challenges following the UK’s EU departure[1]. It reflects a significant deepening of bilateral ties addressing defense, migration, youth exchange, and broader cooperation.
In addition, the EU's new entry/exit system (EES) is expected to come into play in October, gathering biometric data on arrivals from non-EU countries. A team is being formed to establish "juxtaposed" border controls similar to those in place for Eurostar journeys to facilitate the new rail link. Brits, like other third country nationals, are still required to go to border control beyond the e-gates where German officials will check passports for compliance with validity rules.
As the treaty comes into effect, it is expected to ease travel woes for Brits who have often faced long passport queues since Brexit. However, travel expert Simon Calder suggests that the treaty may not be the solution it seems for British citizens[5]. Nearly a decade has passed since the UK referendum that took it out of the EU, and a majority of Brits now favor rejoining the EU, according to opinion polls[6].
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is including action on irregular migration to the UK in his negotiations with other EU leaders as a way to win over rabid Brexiteers[7]. Germany is set to criminalize the "facilitation of irregular migration to the UK" before the end of the year[8]. UK citizens must sign up to join Germany's e-gate "EasyPass" system, which involves using normal passport control and attending a police interview[9].
This treaty marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the UK and Germany, aiming to bring the two nations closer together and address various challenges in the post-Brexit era.
- The British-German Treaty on Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation encourages educational and cultural exchange initiatives, including easier school exchanges and strengthening cooperation in scientific and social domains.
- A significant aspect of the treaty is the commitment by Germany to criminalize the facilitation of irregular migration, especially in relation to smuggling supply chains crossing the Channel.
- As the treaty aims to intensify economic and social cooperation, future transport projects such as rail links might be part of the ongoing collaboration between the UK and Germany, although specific statements are not found in the treaty text or related documents yet.
