We aim to bolster the multilateral non-proliferation and disarmament regimes, particularly the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. We provide ideas, analysis and research resources that support the efforts of serving diplomats in the NPT process. We also focus on specific regional challenges to the multilateral non-proliferation and disarmament system, including the future of nuclear diplomacy with Iran, and (in partnership with our sister Asia-Pacific Leadership Network) understanding Indo-Pacific perspectives on strategic risks. The ELN’s work has supported the P5 Dialogue, with a view to encouraging the NPT nuclear weapon states to engage jointly in strategic risk reduction. We also work to support the CTBT and encourage its entry into force and want to deepen the understanding of the concept of irreversibility in nuclear disarmament.
Continuing our commentary series exploring different European perspectives ahead of the 2026 NPT Review Conference, Carmen Wunderlich writes that Germany’s current policy towards the NPT reflects not only a change in tone but also a gradual shift in priorities towards pragmatic measures such as risk reduction and confidence-building, while multilateral disarmament seems to have lost political salience.
Following the recent US–Israeli strikes on Iran and the subsequent regional escalation, Europe’s response has been mixed. As the conflict widens, we ask members of the ELN Network how they assess Europe’s approach so far and what role European governments should be playing.
In May, States Parties to the NPT will meet for the 11th Review Conference under difficult circumstances. In the second of our commentary series exploring different European perspectives, Ciarán Doyle, a diplomat from Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, reflects on Ireland’s perspective on the Treaty and its approach to the 2026 Review Conference. He writes about the importance Ireland places on the Treaty as a small, militarily neutral country, and calls for a commitment to enhanced transparency and accountability from the nuclear weapon states.
The first in our series exploring P5 perspectives on the forthcoming 2026 NPT Review Conference, Emmanuelle Maitre writes that for France, constructive participation in the RevCon will require delicate balancing. At the P5 level, preserving dialogue despite strong opposition remains a priority, but must not prevent calling out behaviours of concern related to the NPT.
On 4th February, the New START Treaty – the last treaty constraining the nuclear weapons of the United States and Russia – expired. We now face the prospect that the half-century process of reducing the number of nuclear weapons in the world is about to be reversed. Although this situation appears bleak, Edward Ifft writes that there are constructive measures nuclear weapons states can take to reinforce global stability.
Former and serving senior officials, military leaders, and experts from across the Euro-Atlantic region call for strengthened fail-safe measures to prevent accidental nuclear use.
At the 2025 NPT PrepCom, the European Leadership Network (ELN) convened experts and officials to explore practical steps for strengthening the treaty, including reducing nuclear risks and addressing emerging technologies.
Join the ELN for two side events at the third NPT PrepCom in New York.
From the 11-14th of November, the Younger Generation Leaders Network (YGLN) met in Vienna for their annual gathering. Over the course of the week, YGLN members met with various international organisations and diplomatic missions, fostered insightful discussions, and were able to network and collaborate with one another. Read the commentary for a full account of the annual gathering.