UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met in Berlin on Wednesday to discuss deepening bilateral relations as part of a broader post-Brexit reset. The leaders focused on key areas such as energy security, defense, climate change, and economic cooperation. Both countries emphasized the importance of a strong partnership for economic growth and addressed an action plan for illegal migration.
In a joint statement, the UK and Germany highlighted the need to elevate their bilateral relationship to a new level, reflecting their close partnership within Europe. Key priorities for the collaboration include industrial transformation, tackling illegal migration, enhancing people-to-people contacts, and advancing in education, infrastructure, technology, research, and innovation. A formal agreement is expected to be signed early next year.
Scholz described the UK and Germany as “special partners,” while Starmer emphasized the importance of building on their already strong relationship. Since taking office in July, Starmer has prioritized resetting the UK’s relationships with European countries. His visit to Berlin is part of a broader trip to Germany and France to engage with political and business leaders.
Starmer expressed a commitment to taking advantage of the “once in a generation opportunity” to redefine the UK’s relationship with Europe, addressing the challenges left by Brexit and previous government policies.