The UK, France, and Germany are moving to revive and strengthen trilateral defense ties as Europe adapts to growing geopolitical challenges from Russia’s war in Ukraine and reduced U.S. reliability under Donald Trump. Britain and France have agreed to establish a joint warfighting force and deepen nuclear coordination, while Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz will sign a landmark cooperation treaty in London this week, further solidifying the London-Paris-Berlin triangle.

UK-France Renew Defense Pacts with Focus on Europe

The UK-French Northwood Declaration marks a significant shift in defense strategy for both nations. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Emmanuel Macron committed to forming a joint force capable of large-scale warfighting and agreed to coordinate nuclear policies, operations, and capabilities. This reflects a deepening strategic alignment between London and Paris, who affirmed that no major threat to Europe would go unanswered by their militariesThe resurrection of the….

The agreement signals France’s first steps towards extending its nuclear deterrence umbrella to European partners, breaking with its traditionally ambiguous stance. The move strengthens ties as both nations acknowledge the erosion of U.S. commitment to NATO and growing pressure from Russia.

Germany to Cement New Ties with London

Chancellor Merz’s upcoming visit to London will further reinforce trilateral security cooperation. Merz, a proponent of greater European defense capacity, is expected to sign a broad treaty with Starmer aimed at fortifying the weakest link in the triangle—UK-Germany relations post-Brexit. Germany’s commitment to raising defense spending to 5% of GDP, including 3.5% on hard defense, sets it apart as a serious partner in building a more autonomous European defense posture.

The revival of these ties comes as Germany, France, and the UK look to reduce dependence on U.S. military technology, develop European alternatives, and collaborate more closely through the EU’s new Safe defense investment fund.

The Strategic Shift: From Expeditionary to European Defense

The renewed London-Paris-Berlin cooperation is also marked by a shift away from expeditionary operations towards defending Europe itself. Both London and Paris are aligning on policies that prioritize Europe’s security over interventions far from the continent. Macron’s cooperation with Starmer on migration and Ukraine has also helped mend political fractures caused by Brexit.

The joint efforts aim to establish Europe’s capability to defend itself independently of U.S. forces, building a defense posture capable of withstanding external threats, notably from Russia, while signaling a unified European front to both allies and adversaries.