Elizabeth Morgan | G7 Summit, France

This year’s G7 Summit is being held in Évian-les-Bains, France, June 15–17, hosted by President Emmanuel Macron, who will be presiding over his last summit. As presidents of France can serve only two consecutive terms, President Macron will demit office in May 2027 and proceed into retirement. He first became president of France in 2017 at age 39, making him the youngest French head of state since Napoleon Bonaparte. He will retire at age 49.

The G7 — the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan — is now described as comprising the world’s most developed, industrialised, and democratic countries. The European Union (EU) always attends. The guests at this summit are Brazil, Egypt, India, Kenya, South Korea, Qatar, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates.

The agenda will cover: the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence; global economic growth and financial stability; energy security and the clean energy transition to tackle climate change; strengthening food security and supply chains; and ensuring the availability of critical minerals.

G7 LEADERS

Growth in G7 countries has been sluggish, averaging about 1.5 per cent this year. Canada is now in recession. The US growth rate has declined since 2025 and is now averaging about two per cent. Concerns about economic growth, along with ongoing wars and current US trade, economic, and security policies, have compounded economic and, thus, political woes over the last year.

Several G7 leaders are facing serious challenges at home. Sir Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, who assumed office in July 2024, has seen his popularity ratings decline sharply. His Labour Party lost heavily in recent local government elections, and he is very likely to face a leadership challenge by September. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is experiencing record-low popularity in Germany amid economic stagnation and coalition problems; he became chancellor in May 2025. Emmanuel Macron also faces low approval ratings at home.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the first woman to hold the post, having taken office in 2022, has relatively strong approval ratings for an Italian leader. She is a far-right conservative. Canada’s Mark Carney, a liberal who became prime minister in March 2025, enjoys strong public approval as he seeks to diversify and strengthen the economy. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, also the first woman in that role, assumed office in October 2025 and continues to have high approval ratings. She is seen as a strong leader both at home and abroad.

Then there is US President Donald Trump. His approval ratings have been slipping as Americans become increasingly concerned about the rising cost of living and his economic policies. The war with Iran, which he initiated with Israel, is not supported by the majority of Americans.

In Europe, far-right, ultra-conservative political parties — nationalist and anti-immigrant — are on the rise. Contrary to previous US policies, they are doing so with support from the Trump administration, voiced at every opportunity by its members, especially Vice-President J.D. Vance.

PRESIDENT TRUMP — A CONCERN

In both his first term (2016–2021) and his second term, commencing in January 2025, President Trump has appeared to be a brash, power-drunk, and unruly — yet tolerated — presence at these summits, which have increasingly become confabulations. Leaders spend much of their time trying not to incur the wrath of the fickle, egocentric US president. It is reported that France has decided not to issue an outcome document.

Reviewing the agenda, it would be difficult to reach consensus with President Trump, as he would oppose decisions on regulating AI, clean energy, trade, and other economic issues. Note that G7 foreign ministers met in France in March and finance ministers in May in preparation for this leaders’ summit.

This summit will most likely focus on the Iran and Ukraine wars. The Iran conflict is particularly significant, as it — along with the closing of the Strait of Hormuz — has led to rising oil prices and increased global economic instability. It has been announced that a framework for a peace agreement has been reached between the USA and Iran and was electronically signed by representatives of both parties on Sunday.

IRAN-US AGREEMENT

From what is understood, this is a memorandum of understanding (MOU), with formal negotiations on specific issues, such as Iran’s possession of nuclear energy, to commence later. There is to be a 60-day ceasefire, which Iran says must include Lebanon. It should also lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The MOU is to be signed in person in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday, June 19.

The other G7 members and invited guests will be keenly interested in this agreement. Indeed, the world — including Jamaica — is watching closely. This war is contributing to a growing global economic crisis. So far, it has been difficult to place confidence in either President Trump or the Iranian leadership, as developments have been inconsistent. In addition, it appears that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not support this ‘deal’.

The G7 Summit ends on Wednesday, June 17. Let us hope that this Iran-USA agreement still holds — or will it prove to be just another mirage?

At this summit, could any of the leaders have the courage — the will — to mention Cuba?