The future of the E3

Post-Brexit Cooperation Between the UK, France and Germany

Research paper

Published 28 July 2020

Updated 26 September 2024

ISBN: 978 1 78413 410 5

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron pose during a G7 coordination meeting at the Hotel du Palais on 24 August 2019 in Biarritz, France. Photo credit: Pool/Getty Images
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron pose during a G7 coordination meeting at the Hotel du Palais on 24 August 2019 in Biarritz, France. Photo credit: Pool/Getty Images
— British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron pose during a G7 coordination meeting at the Hotel du Palais on 24 August 2019 in Biarritz, France. Photo credit: Pool/Getty Images

Alice Billon-Galland

Former Research Fellow, Europe Programme

Thomas Raines

Former Director, Europe Programme

This paper explores the origins of the E3 (European/EU 3) format of diplomatic coordination between France, Germany and the UK, and its possible future development. It addresses the potential role of the E3 over the coming decade and how the UK can make the best use of this format.