President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social on 3/6, "I will be attending the G7 summit in France right after one of the most entertaining nights in American history, the UFC world championship fights on the South Lawn of the White House."

This year's G7 summit is scheduled for 15-17/6 in the resort town of Evian-les-Bains, southeastern France. It serves as a forum for member nations: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the European Union (EU), to coordinate responses to global economic, financial, and geopolitical challenges.

France's primary concern is that Trump might shorten his trip or depart before the summit concludes. A lawmaker from President Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance party described the upcoming G7 summit as an event Europe "just needs to get through smoothly." The individual stated, "We must avoid a situation like in Canada last year or a crisis involving Greenland."

President Donald Trump boards Air Force One in Maryland on 22/5. *Photo: AFP*

In 2025, the G7 summit in Canada spanned two days, but Trump returned to the United States on the first evening due to Middle East tensions. This marked his shortest G7 attendance. Late last year, President Trump also intensified efforts to help the United States acquire Greenland, Denmark's autonomous island. He made a series of firm statements, including not ruling out military action, to acquire the island, significantly increasing transatlantic tensions.

According to Politico, President Macron postponed the G7 summit's start date, originally scheduled for 14/6, to allow the US leader to watch the UFC fights. The host nation also carefully considered the guest list to avoid offending Trump.

European officials have spent years developing effective ways to work with Trump. One lesson they learned is that a grand reception and formal diplomatic protocols can foster a favorable atmosphere. Consequently, the Elysee Palace is considering a private dinner between President Macron and President Trump at the Palace of Versailles on the summit's final day.

"President Trump needs to feel valued," a European official said. The official noted that President Macron and Trump had previously engaged in symbolic activities, such as visiting the Eiffel Tower. "So what could be more prominent now, if not the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles?"

When France hosted the G7 summit in the coastal resort city of Biarritz on the Atlantic in 2019, Macron also held a private lunch with Trump. This move partly helped both sides avoid a trade confrontation, as the United States had threatened to impose additional tariffs on France at the time.

However, the European official observed that flexibility is effective only when accompanied by power and concrete interests. According to the official, influencing Washington's decisions cannot rely solely on symbolic gestures.

Nevertheless, there are still expectations that this G7 summit could yield some positive outcomes. According to a former minister, this is an opportunity for the G7 to "persuade Trump to reaffirm his commitment to the group." The minister also stated that President Macron has oriented summit preparations around a topic of particular interest to Trump: "global economic imbalances," referring to China's trade subsidy policies that the West considers unfair.

G7 leaders, the European Council, and the European Commission pose for a group photo at the summit in Canada in June 2025. *Photo: AFP*

Beyond factors related to Trump, international crises also introduce significant uncertainty for the G7 summit.

According to sources close to President Macron, the situation in Iran is one of the largest variables. Developments concerning the Strait of Hormuz or the possibility of a deal with Tehran could significantly alter the summit's agenda. French officials also worry that the United States might increase pressure on its European allies if the Iran issue remains deadlocked. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously urged NATO, a military alliance with most members in Europe, to prepare plans for ensuring maritime operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

Ukraine is also a sensitive topic. Macron decided to invite President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to attend the summit, despite strained relations between US and Ukrainian leaders multiple times in 2025. This move also carries potential unpredictability.

"Every interaction with the Trump administration carries a certain degree of risk," a European diplomat commented. "They are not afraid of clashes or disagreements."

Nhu Tam (According to Politico, Le Monde, Reuters)