Germany, France, UK form strategic ‘E3’ alliance as US commitment wavers
In a symbolic show of unity, Merz, Starmer, and Macron traveled together by train to Kyiv in May to express their support for Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk joined the group en route
A new tripartite alliance between Germany, France, and the United Kingdom — known informally as the “E3” — has emerged in response to growing threats from Russia and increasing uncertainty over continued U.S. support for European security, especially under President Donald Trump.
The alliance was reinforced by the recent signing of a historic German-British friendship treaty, the first of its kind since World War II. Signed in London by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the treaty outlines deepened cooperation on defense, arms production, and mutual assistance, complementing existing NATO agreements.
The move follows a high-profile state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte to the UK, which included symbolic ceremonies with King Charles and Queen Camilla, further emphasizing the Franco-British commitment to European security, dw.com reports.
In a symbolic show of unity, Merz, Starmer, and Macron traveled together by train to Kyiv in May to express their support for Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk joined the group en route, marking a coordinated European front amid ongoing Russian aggression.
The formation of the E3 reflects growing concern over Trump’s unpredictable stance on NATO and European defense. Trump’s past statements and actions, including snubbing Ukrainian President Zelensky earlier this year, have prompted European leaders to prepare for a future in which the U.S. security umbrella may weaken.
Chancellor Merz, in a BBC interview, acknowledged that Europe had long “free-ridden” on U.S. protection and committed to massively increasing Germany’s defense spending. However, experts caution against complete independence from the U.S., calling such a move “reckless and unrealistic.”
Still, the growing E3 cooperation signals a shift toward strategic autonomy while still maintaining ties with Washington. Analysts say that France and the UK — Europe’s two nuclear powers — may play a greater role in regional deterrence if the U.S. recedes from its traditional commitments.
