G7 leaders convened in Evian-les-Bains, France, to address key issues including the war in Ukraine, conflicts in Iran, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, economic imbalances driven by China, and the rise of artificial intelligence. The summit takes place amid escalating tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders.
The meeting, which brings together the world's wealthiest nations, began today. The main agenda items for the G7 include the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Iran, global economic imbalances, China’s growing trade surplus, and artificial intelligence.
Key Topics of the Summit
The G7, composed of the U.S., the U.K., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, is also joined by the European Union. This year, leaders from India, South Korea, Kenya, and Brazil were invited as well.
Over time, the G7 has evolved into a platform seeking common ground on wars, trade, energy security, technology, and development. This time, it draws attention not only for its agenda but also due to the tensions between the U.S. and Europe.
Ukraine and Iran on the Agenda
The summit is expected to send a unified message of support for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will also attend the meeting in Evian-les-Bains.
The Iran issue is another critical topic. Leaders will discuss how quickly the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz can be reopened and how the U.S. will lift its blockade on Iranian ports. Leaders from Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates will also participate in the Iran session.
Macron Aims to Keep Trump Engaged at the Summit
One of French President Emmanuel Macron’s main goals is to conclude the summit without showing signs of a major split. Another priority for the French side is to prevent Trump from leaving the meeting early.
To this end, Macron invited Trump to a dinner at the Palace of Versailles on June 17, after the summit ends. According to French officials, this dinner references the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
Trump’s history of leaving previous G7 meetings early has made French diplomacy more cautious this time. According to Jeremy Shapiro of the European Council on Foreign Relations, the summit’s primary aim is to avoid a crisis and ensure leaders appear united.
Fragile Balance Between Europe and the U.S.
In European capitals, the U.S. is no longer always seen as a reliable partner on key issues like climate, security, and NATO. Trump’s military actions against Iran, his tough stance on NATO, and threats to take over Greenland have further eroded trust in Washington.
Within the G7, there is no full consensus on how far to distance from the U.S. Germany and Japan, facing security threats from Russia and China, are more cautious about completely breaking ties with Washington. Canada is more open to distancing itself, while France traditionally pursues a more independent line.
The U.K. is also among the countries shifting its tone. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasizes the importance of maintaining security cooperation with Washington, even as London denied U.S. warplanes use of British bases for strikes against Iran.
China, Artificial Intelligence, and Debt Burden Also on the Table
France is bringing China-related economic imbalances to the summit’s agenda. Paris views one of the main global economic problems as China’s overproduction, the U.S.’s overconsumption, and Europe’s insufficient investment.
Since China is not at the summit table, no concrete progress is expected on this issue. However, France considers even acknowledging the problem a diplomatic achievement.
Artificial intelligence is also a significant topic at the meeting. France invited technology leaders including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei to the summit.
Leaders are also expected to issue a joint statement expressing commitment to addressing the heavy debt burdens faced by developing countries.
