The framework agreement will likely not do much for economic growth on either side. But it avoids new fissures on other foreign policy issues, particularly the war in Ukraine.
Historically neutral, the country is set to double military spending, even in the midst of a budget crisis, as its neighbors also spend big to counter Russia.
Chancellor Christian Stocker of Austria in Vienna this month. The principle of neutrality, he said, “obligates us to national defense, comprehensive national defense in particular.”
The leaders of France, Germany and Britain are building parallel diplomatic institutions to defend Europe as President Trump retreats from the continent.
From left: President Emmanuel Macron of France, Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain and Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany at a summit in Tirana, Albania, in May.
The new treaty includes a pledge by both countries to regard a threat against one as a threat against the other, in the latest sign of European nations uniting amid growing instability.
The Anglo-German accord, signed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain and Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany covers energy, economic cooperation and migration, in addition to defense.
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