ÉVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — Leaders of the Group of Seven nations gathered in this French Alpine resort for a summit expected to produce a communiqué addressing global trade tensions and governance of artificial intelligence, officials said.
The 52nd G7 summit, hosted by France from June 15 to 17, 2026, in Évian-les-Bains, brings together the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, along with European Union representatives. French President Emmanuel Macron is chairing the meetings.
Discussions are focusing on macroeconomic imbalances, trade issues including excess industrial capacity and supply chain resilience, and the future of artificial intelligence, amid ongoing geopolitical challenges. G7 trade ministers met in Paris in early May and pledged closer coordination to counter unfair trade practices, strengthen critical supply chains and advance reform of the global trading system.
Preparatory meetings have highlighted concerns over non-market policies, economic coercion and the need to diversify supply chains for critical minerals essential to digital and green technologies. On AI, the agenda builds on prior G7 work, including efforts toward safe, responsible and trustworthy development of the technology, with input expected from tech executives.
"The choices we make here will send a clear signal about our willingness to act, to cooperate, and to defend the principles that underpin global stability," European Council President António Costa said ahead of the summit.
The summit occurs against a backdrop of persistent trade tensions and rapid technological change. G7 members have previously expressed concerns about overcapacity and market distortions while reaffirming support for a rules-based international trading system. On AI, discussions emphasize human-centric approaches, risk-based governance, innovation and protections such as online safety for minors.
Leaders have also invited representatives from several non-G7 countries, including Brazil, India, Kenya and South Korea, for select sessions. On June 16, the G7 issued joint statements covering topics such as international partnerships.
Details of the final communiqué on trade and AI governance remain to be finalized as the summit continues through Wednesday. Officials have indicated expectations for commitments on balanced economic growth, secure AI frameworks and multilateral cooperation, though specific outcomes will depend on negotiations among the participants.
The summit follows the 2025 gathering in Kananaskis, Canada, and precedes the next U.S.-hosted meeting. Security in the lakeside town has been heightened, with extensive measures in place for the delegations.
As of Tuesday, no full text of the leaders' communiqué on the specified topics had been released. Further statements are anticipated before the summit's conclusion.
