German Federal Chancellor

06/17/2026 | Press release | Archived content

G7 shows of unity and capacity to deliver

The G7, together with partner countries and international organisations, in a group photo with an extended line-up.

Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

This year's G7 summit presented a strong sign of unity and capacity to deliver. The focus was on current crises and conflicts - in particular Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. The G7 heads of state and government sent a clear signal in this regard with a joint statement.

A clear message of support for Ukraine

"It was hard work, but it was worth it," the Federal Chancellor stressed in his press statement. The common ground reached on Ukraine is precisely what makes this "message so abundantly clear": namely that support from the G7 countries is stronger than almost ever before. He also described that the agreement between the United States and Iran as a "great success". This, he said, should now be followed by further negotiations.

In addition to the geopolitical challenges, the G7 also made significant progress on other key issues - in particular economic cooperation, securing critical raw materials, and the fields of artificial intelligence and health.

The heads of state and government of the G7 met in Évian-les-Bains, France, from 15 to 17 June for political discussions on current issues. The Federal Government was keen to play an active role in shaping the process and jointly developing solutions for global challenges among the partners.

Key topics at the G7 summit

This year's key priorities for the French Presidency included:

  • Global growth and inequality
  • Critical raw materials
  • Global partnerships
  • Combating human trafficking
  • Combating organised drug-related crime
  • Protecting minors in the digital world and the fight against cancer

G7-Declarations

  • Leaders' Declaration on Tackling Migrant Smuggling (englisch)

    PDF download, 223 KB, not barrier-free
  • Leaders' Declaration on the Fight against Drug Trafficking (englisch)

    PDF download, 317 KB, not barrier-free
  • G7 Leaders' Statement on Geopolitical Issues (englisch)

    PDF download, 324 KB, not barrier-free

See the Chancellor's visit in pictures here:

Photo 1 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

Évian-les-Bains, 15 June 2026: Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his wife, Charlotte Merz, were welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron to the three-day G7 summit in France.

Photo 2 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

The summit was attended by the leading industrialised nations - Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America - as well as representatives of the European Union, such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Photo 3 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

One of the topics on the summit's agenda was developments in the Middle East. The Chancellor welcomed the agreement between the United States of America and Iran on a peace memorandum. He called for the agreed measures to be implemented in a diligent and purposeful manner. According to Merz, the agreement could pave the way for a recovery in the global economy and stabilisation in the region.

Photo 4 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

In view of the challenges facing foreign and economic policy, the Federal Government is pursuing clear objectives at the meeting: on the one hand, continued support for Ukraine and de-escalation in the Middle East; on the other hand, cooperation to strengthen the global economy and ensure a secure supply of critical raw materials.

Photo 5 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

The G7 heads of state and government discussed issues such as these during a series of working sessions at the meeting on Lake Geneva.

Photo 6 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

In addition, the format offers Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz the opportunity to hold bilateral talks. On the first evening, he held talks with UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.

Photo 7 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

According to Chancellor Merz, the summit is taking place during an "extremely turbulent period in world politics". The situation presents challenges, "but also offers some opportunities", he said, referring to international cooperation.

Photo 8 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

Évian-les-Bains, 16 June 2026: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was invited as a guest on the second day.

Photo 9 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

"Building peace and security for Ukraine and for Europe" was the theme of the first working session of the day. In the run-up to the summit, Federal Chancellor Merz expressed cautious optimism regarding negotiations on a peace settlement.

Photo 10 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

The G7 heads of state and government agreed to step up the pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine. US President Trump also wants to reinstate the suspended sanctions against Russian oil exports.

Photo 11 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

The second working session focused on stability in the Middle East. The President of Egypt and the Prime Minister of Qatar, as well as the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, travelled to Évian for the occasion.

Photo 12 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

On the second day, as is traditional, further partner countries also joined the meeting. That's also when the extended family photo was taken.

Photo 13 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

During a third working session, they exchanged views on the topic of 'Forging new partnerships and rebuilding international solidarity'.

Photo 14 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

At the end of the day, the Chancellor emphasised the "strong sense of transatlantic European unity and European teamwork" during the talks.

Photo 15 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

Évian-les-Bains, 17 June 2026: The heads of state and government of the G7 countries gathered at the conference venue for the third day of the summit.

Photo 16 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

The working session focused on boosting economic growth and addressing economic imbalances.

Photo 17 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

At the conclusion of the summit, the G7 agreed on common positions regarding the conflict in the Middle East and Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

Photo 18 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

"Democracy is difficult, and diplomacy requires tenacity. "But I think we have been successful in this round of discussions amongst democratic states over the past two days," said Chancellor Merz in his statement at the close of the summit.

G7 summit in France

Tuesday, 16 June 2026
Photo 1 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

Évian-les-Bains, 15 June 2026: Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his wife, Charlotte Merz, were welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron to the three-day G7 summit in France.

Photo 2 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

The summit was attended by the leading industrialised nations - Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America - as well as representatives of the European Union, such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Photo 3 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

One of the topics on the summit's agenda was developments in the Middle East. The Chancellor welcomed the agreement between the United States of America and Iran on a peace memorandum. He called for the agreed measures to be implemented in a diligent and purposeful manner. According to Merz, the agreement could pave the way for a recovery in the global economy and stabilisation in the region.

Photo 4 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

In view of the challenges facing foreign and economic policy, the Federal Government is pursuing clear objectives at the meeting: on the one hand, continued support for Ukraine and de-escalation in the Middle East; on the other hand, cooperation to strengthen the global economy and ensure a secure supply of critical raw materials.

Photo 5 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

The G7 heads of state and government discussed issues such as these during a series of working sessions at the meeting on Lake Geneva.

Photo 6 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

In addition, the format offers Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz the opportunity to hold bilateral talks. On the first evening, he held talks with UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.

Photo 7 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

According to Chancellor Merz, the summit is taking place during an "extremely turbulent period in world politics". The situation presents challenges, "but also offers some opportunities", he said, referring to international cooperation.

Photo 8 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

Évian-les-Bains, 16 June 2026: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was invited as a guest on the second day.

Photo 9 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

"Building peace and security for Ukraine and for Europe" was the theme of the first working session of the day. In the run-up to the summit, Federal Chancellor Merz expressed cautious optimism regarding negotiations on a peace settlement.

Photo 10 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

The G7 heads of state and government agreed to step up the pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine. US President Trump also wants to reinstate the suspended sanctions against Russian oil exports.

Photo 11 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

The second working session focused on stability in the Middle East. The President of Egypt and the Prime Minister of Qatar, as well as the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, travelled to Évian for the occasion.

Photo 12 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

On the second day, as is traditional, further partner countries also joined the meeting. That's also when the extended family photo was taken.

Photo 13 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

During a third working session, they exchanged views on the topic of 'Forging new partnerships and rebuilding international solidarity'.

Photo 14 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

At the end of the day, the Chancellor emphasised the "strong sense of transatlantic European unity and European teamwork" during the talks.

Photo 15 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

Évian-les-Bains, 17 June 2026: The heads of state and government of the G7 countries gathered at the conference venue for the third day of the summit.

Photo 16 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

The working session focused on boosting economic growth and addressing economic imbalances.

Photo 17 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

At the conclusion of the summit, the G7 agreed on common positions regarding the conflict in the Middle East and Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

Photo 18 of 18 Photo: Federal Government/Jesco Denzel

"Democracy is difficult, and diplomacy requires tenacity. "But I think we have been successful in this round of discussions amongst democratic states over the past two days," said Chancellor Merz in his statement at the close of the summit.

G7 summit in France

Tuesday, 16 June 2026

Opens image in carousel

As this year's G7 president, France organised the summit in Évian-les-Bains. Alongside France and Germany, the G7 also includes Canada, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan and the USA. Key questions and answers on this topic can be found in this overview.

On the agenda for the G7 Summit in Evian, France: critical raw materials, global economy, foreign policy on Ukraine and Middle East: Read more here.

France holds the presidency and is organising the G7 summit in Evian.

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