The E3: a diplomatic trio managing nuclear risks and global security

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Beyond the gaming expo lies a different E3: an informal, high-stakes alliance between the UK, France, and Germany. Established to manage nuclear diplomacy, this "minilateralism" works behind the scenes to coordinate security responses across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.

The E3 represents an unofficial security and foreign policy partnership involving Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Established in 2003, it functions more as a working practice than a formal institution. This "minilateralism" allows a small group of like-minded states to coordinate actions and identify mutual interests outside of larger, more rigid international organizations.

The group's original purpose was centered on nuclear negotiations with Iran. In 2003, the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), suspected Iran of unauthorized nuclear reprocessing and enrichment. The E3 emerged to mediate between the US, the UN Security Council, and Iran. This effort expanded over time, evolving into the E3/EU format in 2006, and later the E3/EU+3 to include China, Russia, and the US.

While the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was a major milestone for the group, the landscape has shifted. Following the US withdrawal from the treaty in 2018 and subsequent Iranian uranium enrichment, the E3 remains a key player in nuclear diplomacy. Today, its scope has expanded to address conflicts in Syria, Libya, Iraq, and Egypt, as well as security challenges in the Sahel and the South China Sea.

The E3's role is currently evolving alongside other frameworks. While the G7 and the Quad have taken on significant roles regarding transatlantic security and the war in Ukraine, the E3 remains a vital platform for dialogue, particularly as Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine has heightened global nuclear proliferation risks.

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