ÉVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are representing the European Union at the G7 leaders' summit in this French lakeside resort, officials said Tuesday.
The summit, hosted by France from June 15 to 17, brings together leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, with the EU participating as a guest. Costa and von der Leyen arrived on Monday and have engaged in discussions and bilateral meetings.
The EU leaders met with Swiss President Guy Parmelin ahead of the summit and held talks with other participants, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, according to statements from the parties involved.
France, holding the G7 presidency in 2026, selected Évian-les-Bains as the venue, a site that previously hosted the 2003 G8 summit. The agenda includes global economic issues, security challenges and international cooperation, French officials said.
The EU's representation follows its established practice of joint participation by the Council and Commission presidents in G7 meetings. Von der Leyen delivered opening remarks at a press conference on Monday.
Discussions at the summit have addressed support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict, responses to recent developments in the Middle East including a U.S.-Iran agreement, and efforts to address economic imbalances, according to participants and reports.
"Europe is committed to working with our G7 partners to strengthen multilateral cooperation on shared global challenges," von der Leyen said in remarks ahead of the meetings.
Additional invitees include leaders from Brazil, Egypt, India, Kenya and South Korea. The summit occurs against a backdrop of volatile international conditions, with participants seeking coordinated responses, French authorities indicated.
As of Tuesday, the leaders continued closed-door sessions. No final communique details have been released. Implementation of any agreements will depend on follow-up actions by the participating countries and the EU, officials noted.
The summit is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday. Costa and von der Leyen are expected to provide further updates upon its conclusion.
