Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) major industrialized nations are set to meet on Monday in the French lakeside resort of Evian-les-Bains, where discussions will focus on the wars in Ukraine and Iran, global economic imbalances that could threaten financial stability, and the rapid development of artificial intelligence, News.Az reports, citing Reuters.

Over its 50-year history, the G7 has confronted a series of major geopolitical and economic challenges, ranging from the oil crisis of the 1970s to the global repercussions of U.S. President Donald Trump’s military strikes against Iran.

The group has also faced increasing scrutiny over its relevance at a time when multilateral cooperation is under strain and emerging powers are gaining greater economic and political influence.

The G7 is an informal association of advanced economies and does not have a permanent secretariat or legal status. Its members include the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. The European Union participates in all summit meetings but is not counted among the core seven members and does not assume the rotating presidency because it represents a bloc of 27 countries rather than a single state.

Russia joined the group in 1997, transforming it into 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.

The organization was established in the aftermath of the 1973 OPEC oil embargo as a platform for the world’s wealthiest nations to coordinate responses to economic crises. Together, G7 countries account for more than $50 trillion in annual economic output, representing nearly half of the global economy.

During the 1980s, the scope of the group expanded beyond economic issues to include political and security matters. In recent years, it has also become common practice to invite leaders from other countries to participate in discussions. This year’s invited guests include the heads of government of India, South Korea, Kenya and Brazil.

One of the summit’s key objectives will be to demonstrate continued unity in support of Ukraine as it confronts a Russian military campaign now entering its fifth year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to bring the conflict to an end. Zelenskyy has also called for a stronger European role in the peace process amid concerns that Washington’s attention is increasingly focused on developments involving Iran.

European members of the G7 are expected to argue that Ukraine’s position has improved and that Europe is now carrying a greater share of the financial, military and political burden associated with Kyiv’s war effort. They also hope the summit will produce a common approach toward any future negotiations with Putin.

The meeting comes shortly after the United States and Iran announced that they had reached a framework agreement aimed at ending their conflict. Although the accord is not expected to be formally signed until Friday, G7 leaders are likely to seek further details, particularly regarding the timeline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments.

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

Ahead of the summit, France had been working to secure a common understanding among G7 members and regional partners on expectations for Iran concerning its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Leaders from Egypt, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are also expected to take part in discussions on the issue.

News.Az 

By Nijat Babayev