Friendship treaty between Germany and UK set to open new chapter in economic relations

The German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce has warmly welcomed the German-British Friendship Treaty signed in London by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

It marks a historic milestone in bilateral relations and opens new perspectives for businesses in both countries.

The treaty establishes a strategic framework to deepen security, political, social, and also economic cooperation.

A statement from the German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce said: “The treaty can act as a catalyst for new partnerships, innovation projects, and cross-border investment, particularly in the areas of defence, digitalisation, energy infrastructure, and industrial transformation.

“However, what is also important, is that further measures are being implemented to support youth exchanges - from school children and students to young workers - this will not only benefit the people on both sides of the Channel but it will also create medium- to long-term opportunities for further collaboration between businesses.

“For the more than 2,500 German companies operating in the UK and many British investors in Germany, the treaty sends a strong signal of certainty, trust, and a commitment to deeper cooperation.”

Dr Ulrich Hoppe, director general of the German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce, said: “The Friendship Treaty signed today is a strong symbol of the close ties between our two countries.

“In times of global upheaval, it is vital that Germany and the United Kingdom place their economic relations on a stable and forward-looking foundation.

“For our members, the treaty brings clarity and new opportunities in a much closer political and economic framework.”