The German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, has delivered a compelling call for a recalibrated and pragmatically driven relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom, emphasizing a move beyond the lingering complexities of Brexit. Speaking before the British Parliament, Steinmeier characterized the recent EU-UK summit in London as a significant indicator of renewed commitment to partnership, highlighting ambitions to streamline trade, reduce bureaucratic obstacles and harmonize regulatory frameworks. These efforts, he suggested, are intended to benefit citizens on both sides of the English Channel by lowering production costs and facilitating exports.
The recently signed Kensington Agreement between Germany and the UK, framed as forward-looking rather than retrospective, underscores this ambition. Steinmeier specifically noted enhanced collaboration in security and defense, particularly regarding support for Ukraine and bolstering NATO’s northern and eastern flank. Joint efforts to counter hybrid threats and coordinate energy and climate policies were also highlighted.
However, Steinmeier didn’t shy away from acknowledging the practical consequences of Brexit. He addressed the increased difficulties encountered by young people concerning student exchanges, study abroad programs and internships, recognizing that these have erected barriers impacting mobility and personal development. Acknowledging this shortfall, Steinmeier mentioned ongoing work towards a European-level youth mobility agreement and bilateral efforts to ease travel restrictions for German and British students. The introduction of e-gates for frequent British travelers was presented as a tangible, albeit initial, step in this direction.
While acknowledging progress, Steinmeier stressed that this represents only the beginning. He underscored the value of the over 400 existing town twinning agreements between the UK and Germany – citing examples like Coventry’s partnerships with Dresden and Kiel – as vital, living connections between the two societies. He argued that these people-to-people exchanges are, ultimately, the bedrock of any enduring friendship, exceeding the influence of treaties and institutions. These lived experiences and personal connections, Steinmeier insisted, are what truly sustain and strengthen the bond between Germany and the United Kingdom, demanding continued investment and expansion beyond formal agreements. The implicit critique lies in questioning whether the current political focus is adequately prioritizing these crucial human connections.
