G7 summit in France
Ukraine, Iran, the global economy and artificial intelligence – these and other topics were discussed by the G7 heads of state and government in France. Chancellor Merz described the joint summit statement on Iran and Ukraine in particular as a success.
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The G7, together with partner countries and international organisations, in a group photo with an extended line-up.
Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel
This year's G7 summit presented a strong sign of unity and capacity to deliver. The focus was on current crises and conflicts – in particular Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. The G7 heads of state and government sent a clear signal in this regard with a joint statement.
A clear message of support for Ukraine
“It was hard work, but it was worth it,” the Federal Chancellor stressed in his press statement. The common ground reached on Ukraine is precisely what makes this “message so abundantly clear”: namely that support from the G7 countries is stronger than almost ever before. He also described that the agreement between the United States and Iran as a “great success”. This, he said, should now be followed by further negotiations.
In addition to the geopolitical challenges, the G7 also made significant progress on other key issues – in particular economic cooperation, securing critical raw materials, and the fields of artificial intelligence and health.
The heads of state and government of the G7 met in Évian-les-Bains, France, from 15 to 17 June for political discussions on current issues. The Federal Government was keen to play an active role in shaping the process and jointly developing solutions for global challenges among the partners.
Key topics at the G7 summit
This year’s key priorities for the French Presidency included:
- Global growth and inequality
- Critical raw materials
- Global partnerships
- Combating human trafficking
- Combating organised drug-related crime
- Protecting minors in the digital world and the fight against cancer
See the Chancellor’s visit in pictures here:
Évian-les-Bains, 15 June 2026: Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his wife, Charlotte Merz, were welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron to the three-day G7 summit in France.
The summit was attended by the leading industrialised nations – Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America – as well as representatives of the European Union, such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
One of the topics on the summit’s agenda was developments in the Middle East. The Chancellor welcomed the agreement between the United States of America and Iran on a peace memorandum. He called for the agreed measures to be implemented in a diligent and purposeful manner. According to Merz, the agreement could pave the way for a recovery in the global economy and stabilisation in the region.
In view of the challenges facing foreign and economic policy, the Federal Government is pursuing clear objectives at the meeting: on the one hand, continued support for Ukraine and de-escalation in the Middle East; on the other hand, cooperation to strengthen the global economy and ensure a secure supply of critical raw materials.
The G7 heads of state and government discussed issues such as these during a series of working sessions at the meeting on Lake Geneva.
In addition, the format offers Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz the opportunity to hold bilateral talks. On the first evening, he held talks with UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.
According to Chancellor Merz, the summit is taking place during an “extremely turbulent period in world politics”. The situation presents challenges, “but also offers some opportunities”, he said, referring to international cooperation.
Évian-les-Bains, 16 June 2026: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was invited as a guest on the second day.
“Building peace and security for Ukraine and for Europe” was the theme of the first working session of the day. In the run-up to the summit, Federal Chancellor Merz expressed cautious optimism regarding negotiations on a peace settlement.
The G7 heads of state and government agreed to step up the pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine. US President Trump also wants to reinstate the suspended sanctions against Russian oil exports.
The second working session focused on stability in the Middle East. The President of Egypt and the Prime Minister of Qatar, as well as the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, travelled to Évian for the occasion.
On the second day, as is traditional, further partner countries also joined the meeting. That’s also when the extended family photo was taken.
During a third working session, they exchanged views on the topic of ‘Forging new partnerships and rebuilding international solidarity’.
At the end of the day, the Chancellor emphasised the "strong sense of transatlantic European unity and European teamwork" during the talks.
Évian-les-Bains, 17 June 2026: The heads of state and government of the G7 countries gathered at the conference venue for the third day of the summit.
The working session focused on boosting economic growth and addressing economic imbalances.
At the conclusion of the summit, the G7 agreed on common positions regarding the conflict in the Middle East and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
“Democracy is difficult, and diplomacy requires tenacity. "But I think we have been successful in this round of discussions amongst democratic states over the past two days," said Chancellor Merz in his statement at the close of the summit.
As this year’s G7 president, France organised the summit in Évian-les-Bains. Alongside France and Germany, the G7 also includes Canada, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan and the USA. Key questions and answers on this topic can be found in this overview.
On the agenda for the G7 Summit in Evian, France: critical raw materials, global economy, foreign policy on Ukraine and Middle East: Read more here.
France holds the presidency and is organising the G7 summit in Evian.