What is the E3?

Since 2003, the E3 group – a loose diplomatic coalition comprising of the UK, France and Germany – has met to discuss a range of foreign policy and security matters. When the UK was an EU member state, the E3 discussions were a semi-regular feature in European diplomacy at an EU-level.

Throughout negotiations on the Iran nuclear deal, the E3 coordinated their positions closely and released a number of joint statements in the run up to and following the agreement of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). They have also released joint statements on issues such as the Syria conflict and Libya.

Following the UK’s departure from the EU, the E3 continues as a forum for discussion between the three countries on foreign policy strategy as it is not affiliated directly with the EU.

You can read our commentary on E3 and UK-EU cooperation on foreign and security policy after Brexit here.