ÉVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — French President Emmanuel Macron hosted leaders of the Group of Seven nations on Tuesday as France used its 2026 presidency of the forum to promote multilateral trade cooperation and coordinated responses to global economic challenges, according to French government statements and summit organizers. The leaders’ meeting, held in the eastern French town of Évian-les-Bains from June 15 to 17, brought together the G7 countries and representatives of the European Union.
French officials said the summit agenda was centered on strengthening international cooperation amid growing geopolitical tensions, economic imbalances and trade frictions. France has identified the reduction of global economic imbalances and the reinforcement of multilateral dialogue as key priorities during its presidency of the group.
“France aims to ensure its G7 Presidency is one of convergence and real action,” France’s foreign ministry said in a statement outlining the summit’s objectives. The ministry said leaders were seeking “common, cooperative responses” to shared challenges in an increasingly uncertain international environment.
Alongside trade and economic issues, leaders discussed support for Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, international partnerships and the future of artificial intelligence, according to official summit agendas released by French and European institutions.
European officials have also emphasized the importance of preserving multilateral institutions and maintaining predictable global economic conditions. Ahead of the summit, European Council President António Costa said that “effective multilateralism” remained essential for global stability and balanced growth.
The gathering comes amid concerns over global trade tensions, uneven economic growth and the impact of conflicts on international markets. French officials have argued that cooperation among major economies is necessary to address those pressures and to avoid further fragmentation of the global economic system.
The summit also included invited leaders from several non-G7 countries, reflecting France’s stated goal of expanding dialogue beyond the group’s core membership. Officials said discussions covered international partnerships, development financing and economic security in addition to traditional geopolitical issues.
As of Tuesday, leaders were continuing closed-door meetings and working sessions in Évian-les-Bains. The summit is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, with discussions on trade, global growth, security and technology still underway, according to organizers.
