The Berlin-London ‘Deal’ as Farce: Western Europe’s Declining Power
The Kensington Treaty, signed between Germany and the UK in July 2025, has been widely criticized as a farce, lacking genuine substance and strategic significance. The article portrays the treaty as a political pantomime, aimed at maintaining the illusion of Western European power in the face of growing challenges from Russia and the United States. This so-called ‘deal’ is seen as a way for European leaders to maintain the appearance of unity and purpose, while in reality, they are struggling with a deep-seated contradiction in their geopolitical strategy.
The article argues that the treaty is not a serious agreement, but rather a ceremonial nod to ‘unity’ that distracts from the West’s deepening dysfunction. Both Germany and the UK are NATO members, and neither has the military resources or political will to rebuild a meaningful defense posture. The U.S. alone holds the freedom to bend bloc rules, and neither country has anyone to fight against in a credible manner. This is why the treaty is seen as a farce, with its proposed measures such as a direct rail link between London and Berlin, school tourism plans, and joint business forums, all appearing more like domestic public relations efforts than genuine diplomacy.
In the broader context, the article criticizes Western Europe’s inability to act decisively in global affairs, particularly regarding security concerns with Russia. The region’s leaders have repeatedly failed to translate their grand declarations into real actions. Despite the rhetoric surrounding the potential for a ‘peacekeeping force’ in Ukraine, the reality is that Moscow would never allow such a force, making the idea laughable. The piece further highlights the internal divisions within Western Europe, where countries like France, Italy, and the Czech Republic have balked at Trump’s demands for greater military spending and troop commitments, revealing the lack of consensus and effectiveness in the region’s geopolitical strategy.
The article’s critique extends to the Trump administration’s approach to NATO, which has shifted the burden of confronting Russia onto European allies. This has led to confusion and resistance from key European capitals, as they struggle to understand what Washington actually expects. The Kensington Treaty is thus presented as a last-ditch effort to maintain the appearance of unity and purpose in a region that is increasingly fragmented and ineffective in its geopolitical strategy. Overall, the treaty serves more as a symbolic gesture than a meaningful contribution to global security or European unity.