UK and Germany Join Forces Against Growing Hybrid Threats

The UK and Germany have agreed to deepen cooperation against cyber-attacks, sabotage and other hybrid threats as Prime Minister Andy Burnham met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin.

Burnham's visit marks his first official trip to Germany as prime minister and comes as European governments warn of increasing threats to critical infrastructure, democratic institutions and national security.

The two leaders formally ratified the 2025 UK-Germany Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation Treaty, which provides a framework for closer cooperation on defence, security, science, technology and economic growth.

'We are facing threats together'

Speaking in Berlin, Burnham said the UK and Germany were facing hybrid attacks on a regular basis and argued that the two countries should tackle them together.

The new partnership will involve greater cooperation on identifying, monitoring and disrupting hostile activity.

The UK government said the focus will include cyber-attacks, sabotage, threats to critical infrastructure and hostile information operations.

The agreement reflects concerns across Europe about the use of methods that sit between traditional peace and open military conflict.

Hybrid activity can include cyber operations, sabotage, disinformation and attempts to interfere with democratic processes.

A wider security partnership

The cooperation announced in Berlin builds on the bilateral treaty signed by the UK and Germany in 2025.

That treaty commits the two countries to closer cooperation on security and defence, including intelligence and national-security capabilities, while also addressing hybrid threats and foreign interference.

The treaty specifically identifies threats including sabotage, malicious cyber activity, foreign information manipulation and interference, and the misuse of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The two countries have now agreed to develop practical cooperation aimed at making it harder for hostile actors to operate across Europe.

Technology and defence

The talks also covered technology and defence cooperation.

Burnham said the UK would seek to progress Germany's involvement in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), the next-generation fighter programme involving the UK, Italy and Japan.

The governments are also looking at cooperation in areas including quantum technology and space.

A new UK-Germany Industrial Tech Corridor is also being developed, with the aim of connecting companies and investors and encouraging cooperation in technologies including artificial intelligence and other critical technologies.

The government says a £20m programme will support joint UK-German quantum research.

Closer cooperation with Europe

The Berlin meeting also comes as the UK government seeks a closer relationship with European partners.

Burnham has said he wants deeper cooperation between Britain and Europe, particularly in areas such as economic growth, security and tackling irregular migration.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also expressed support for bringing the UK closer to Europe and the European Union.

However, closer cooperation does not mean that Britain has rejoined the European Union.

The UK remains outside the bloc, while Germany remains an EU member.

Concerns over Russian activity

The discussions take place against a backdrop of heightened European concern over alleged Russian activity.

The UK government has accused Russia of supporting hostile activity directed at European countries and has pledged to work with Germany to counter hybrid threats.

The two countries have also continued to support Ukraine following Russia's invasion.

The 2025 treaty describes NATO as the foundation of collective defence and commits Britain and Germany to strengthening deterrence and defence against threats to the Euro-Atlantic area.

Economic security alongside defence

The partnership is not limited to military and intelligence cooperation.

Britain and Germany are also seeking closer economic and technological ties.

Germany is the UK's second-largest trading partner, and the governments say the new industrial and technology initiatives are intended to increase investment, create jobs and strengthen economic resilience.

The two countries are therefore linking national security with economic security, arguing that stronger industries, technology partnerships and resilient infrastructure can help protect both countries from external pressure.

A closer UK-German relationship

The Berlin talks represent another stage in the developing relationship between Britain and Germany.

The two countries are now committed to working more closely on defence, intelligence, cyber security, critical infrastructure, technology and economic growth.

For the UK, the partnership also forms part of a wider effort to strengthen cooperation with European allies while remaining outside the European Union.

For Germany, closer cooperation with Britain provides another major European partner in responding to security threats.

The immediate focus will be on turning the agreements announced in Berlin into practical cooperation.

As hybrid threats become an increasingly important part of European security planning, Britain and Germany are signalling that they intend to confront them together.