G7 leaders open summit talks in France on Ukraine and the Middle East

The G7 summit in France, now underway in Evian-les-Bains, arrives at a moment when global stability feels increasingly fragile. With Ukraine’s war dragging into its fourth year and the Middle East teetering on the edge of a wider conflict, the gathering of the world’s largest advanced economies isn’t just another diplomatic photo opportunity—it’s a test of whether the West can still coordinate under pressure. The timing is critical. Europe is struggling with energy insecurity, financial markets are jittery over rising defense spending, and the United States, despite its economic strength, faces internal polarization that complicates long-term commitments. Meanwhile, rising powers like China and India watch closely, ready to fill any leadership vacuum. This summit could either reaffirm the G7’s relevance in a multipolar world or underscore its diminishing influence in shaping global outcomes. What many observers overlook is how much the agenda has shifted since the last major summit. Just two years ago, climate finance dominated discussions; now, security and deterrence are back at the center. Ukraine’s battlefield stalemate and the risk of escalation in the Middle East—fueled by Iran’s regional ambitions and Israel’s military posture—have forced Western leaders to confront a reality they had hoped to postpone: the need for sustained, coordinated action. The presence of Donald Trump, now back in the White House, adds another layer of uncertainty. His administration’s transactional approach to alliances could either push Europe toward greater strategic autonomy or deepen transatlantic divisions at a time when unity is most needed. Looking ahead, the summit’s success or failure may hinge on three unresolved questions. First, can the G7 agree on a unified stance toward sanctions or military support without fracturing over competing national interests? Second, will Europe finally bridge its divisions on defense spending, or will internal debates overshadow collective decisions? Third, how will the group respond to the growing influence of non-Western actors in conflict mediation, particularly in regions where the U.S. and Europe no longer hold unchallenged sway? For now, the stakes are clear: the decisions made in Evian could either shore up the liberal international order or accelerate its decline. The world is watching to see if the G7 can still lead—or if it’s already too late.