EXPLAINER: What is the G7 and what's on the agenda at the Evian-les-Bains summit?

The leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations are set to meet on Monday in the French lakeside resort town of Evian-les-Bains to discuss some of the world's most pressing issues, including the wars in Ukraine and Iran, global economic imbalances, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI).

Over its 50-year history, the G7 has navigated major geopolitical and economic crises, from the oil shock of the 1970s to the global repercussions of U.S. President Donald Trump's military strikes against Iran. The group also faces ongoing questions about its relevance as multilateral cooperation weakens and the economic and political influence of emerging nations continues to grow.

What is the G7?

The G7 is an informal group of advanced economies that serves as a platform for leaders to discuss global economic and political challenges. It has no permanent secretariat and does not have legal authority.

Its members are the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan. The European Union participates in all G7 summits but is not counted among the seven member nations and does not hold the rotating presidency because it represents a bloc of 27 countries rather than a single nation.

Russia joined the group in 1997, creating what became known as the G8, but its membership was suspended in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

France assumed the G7 presidency from Canada in 2026.

Origins and Evolution

The G7 was established in the aftermath of the 1973 oil embargo imposed by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). It was initially created as a forum for the world's leading industrialized nations to coordinate responses to economic crises.

Today, the combined annual gross domestic product (GDP) of G7 members exceeds $50 trillion, accounting for nearly half of the global economy.

While economic issues were the group's original focus, its agenda expanded during the 1980s to include political and security concerns.

In recent years, the G7 has increasingly invited leaders from other nations to participate in discussions. This year's guests include leaders from India, South Korea, Kenya, and Brazil.

Key Issues on the Summit Agenda

Support for Ukraine

G7 leaders are expected to reaffirm their support for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia's invasion, now entering its fifth year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has proposed direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to end the conflict. Zelenskiy has also called for European nations to play a larger role in the peace process amid concerns that U.S. attention may be shifting toward developments in the Middle East.

European G7 members hope to convince Trump that Ukraine's position has improved and that Europe is now carrying much of the financial, military, and political burden of supporting Kyiv. They are also expected to discuss a coordinated approach toward future negotiations with Russia.

Zelenskiy is expected to attend the summit discussions on Ukraine.

Iran and Regional Stability

The summit comes shortly after the United States and Iran announced that they had agreed on a framework intended to end their conflict.

Although the agreement is not expected to be formally signed until Friday, G7 leaders are likely to seek details about the accord, particularly regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.

Trump has said the waterway will reopen on Friday and that he has ordered an end to the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports.

France has also sought broader agreement among G7 members and Middle Eastern partners regarding expectations for Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Leaders from Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are expected to participate in discussions on regional security.

Global Economic Imbalances

Another major topic will be the growing imbalance in the global economy.

French officials have summarized the issue by saying that China produces too much, the United States consumes too much, and Europe invests too little.

Western governments have become increasingly concerned about China's record trade surplus and its expansion into higher-value industries. Beijing has consistently defended its industrial policies and denied accusations that Chinese companies benefit unfairly from government subsidies.

French President Emmanuel Macron has pushed for a cooperative approach before the European Union decides whether to adopt tougher trade measures against China.

Although China will not be represented at the summit, French officials say simply achieving recognition of the problem among G7 members would be a meaningful step forward.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence will also feature prominently on the agenda.

France has invited several leading technology executives, including OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman and Anthropic Chief Executive Dario Amodei, to discuss the opportunities and risks associated with rapidly advancing AI technologies.

Leaders are also expected to address issues related to child safety online and the protection of digital infrastructure. However, discussions on taxing major technology companies are not expected to be part of the summit agenda.

Debt Burden of Developing Countries

The G7 is also expected to address the growing debt challenges facing many developing and emerging-market nations.

Leaders are likely to express support for efforts aimed at easing debt pressures and improving financial stability in vulnerable economies, although specific measures have yet to be outlined.

The discussions come as many developing countries continue to face rising borrowing costs, economic uncertainty, and increasing demands for investment in infrastructure and climate resilience. -Compiled by Richard Lough; Editing by Paul Simao and Neil Fullick/Reuters