France has announced plans to welcome the leaders of India, South Korea, Brazil and Kenya to the upcoming G7 summit scheduled for June in Evian-les-Bains, according to officials from the Elysee Palace.
The decision represents France’s strategy to expand international backing for its mission to address worldwide economic disparities. Paris hopes to prevent what it calls a “massive financial crisis” by encouraging China to increase domestic consumption while reducing exports that create market instability. France also wants the United States to lower its deficits and Europe to increase production while reducing savings.
However, these broader economic objectives may take a backseat to more pressing concerns, as the summit will occur during ongoing tensions from the U.S. and Israeli conflict with Iran, which has created energy market disruptions. Questions also persist about the G7’s continued relevance on the world stage.
“We don’t know where the Iran crisis will be by June,” an adviser to President Emmanuel Macron said. “However it evolves, we will have to address its energy and economic consequences.”
Beijing will be absent from the June 15-17 gathering and maintains its criticism of the G7 as a “club of rich countries,” French officials confirmed. Despite diplomatic sources indicating France attempted to extend an invitation to China, officials say they will pursue engagement with Beijing through alternative diplomatic channels.
“The risk for China is to see global markets, and European markets, closing off to it,” the official said.
French officials emphasized that the invited nations represent democracies and market-based economies that follow international cooperation standards.
Uncertainty also surrounds whether U.S. President Donald Trump will participate in the summit, given his recent use of tariff threats that have concerned both allies and competitors while creating market volatility.
“I won’t make any predictions, but if Trump doesn’t come, it also makes sense — it’s a new international reality and we need to organise ourselves accordingly,” the official said.
