EditG7 leaders convene in Evian amid Iran peace deal, Ukraine tensions and global economic challenges
The three-day gathering is hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, who is using France’s G7 presidency to address pressing geopolitical and economic issues
Leaders of the Group of Seven wealthy nations began their annual summit on Monday in the French lakeside resort of Evian-les-Bains, just days after the United States and Iran announced a preliminary agreement to end their conflict.
The three-day gathering (June 15-17) is hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, who is using France’s G7 presidency to address pressing geopolitical and economic issues. U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to arrive on Monday afternoon for the meetings, marking a notable moment as many leaders remain wary of U.S. policy shifts under his administration.
The leaders attending the 2026 G7 Summit in Evian are Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, French President Emmanuel Macron (host), German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and U.S. President Donald Trump, with the European Union represented by European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Fresh Iran deal dominates early discussions
The summit opened against the backdrop of the U.S.-Iran framework agreement, which includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping traffic and the lifting of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. A formal memorandum of understanding is set to be signed on Friday in Switzerland.
U.S., Iran reach preliminary agreement to end war, signing set for Friday in Geneva
G7 leaders are seeking details on the deal, including sanctions relief for Iran and future talks on its nuclear program. Leaders from key regional players – the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Qatar – are attending the discussions.
Key agenda items
- Support for Ukraine: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is participating in talks on Tuesday. With Russian advances slowed, European G7 members aim to persuade Trump of the need for continued support and coordinated negotiations with Russia.
- Global Economic Imbalances: France has highlighted concerns over China’s overproduction, U.S. overconsumption, and Europe’s underinvestment. Discussions will address trade surpluses, industrial subsidies, and strategies to source critical minerals outside China.
- Artificial Intelligence: Senior tech executives, including OpenAI’s Sam Altman, have been invited to discuss AI opportunities, risks, child online protection, and digital infrastructure.-
- Debt in Developing Nations: Leaders are expected to reaffirm commitments to easing the debt burden on emerging economies.
Invited outreach guests include leaders from India, Brazil, South Korea, and Kenya.
The host town: Evian-les-Bains
Evian-les-Bains, a small spa town of under 10,000 inhabitants on the southern shore of Lake Geneva, is best known globally for its mineral water brand owned by Danone. The town previously hosted the G8 summit in 2003. Its scenic Alpine setting and golf courses (including the renowned Evian Resort Golf Club) provide a picturesque yet secure backdrop for the high-level meetings.
Macron has arranged a glitzy dinner for Trump at the Palace of Versailles later in the week, underscoring efforts to maintain transatlantic engagement during his final year in office.
Context of protests
The summit has drawn protests, with violent demonstrations reported in nearby Geneva, Switzerland, on Sunday. Activists chose the accessible Swiss city over the heavily secured perimeter around Evian.
The G7, an informal grouping without permanent structures, represents nations with a combined GDP of over $50 trillion. This year’s summit highlights both the group’s enduring influence and the challenges it faces in a multipolar world.
Caption: No-G7 activists take part in a demonstration against the G7 summit in Geneva, Switzerland, 14 June 2026. Protests opposing the G7 summit, which is scheduled to take place from 15 to 17 June 2026 in Evian, France, are centered this weekend in nearby Geneva. Activists have chosen Geneva for its accessibility compared to the high-security perimeter surrounding Evian. EPA/JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BOTT
Updated: June 15, 2026 - 06:51
