That is to both strengthen internal cohesion amid rising conflicts of interest among member states and restore the G7’s influence in an increasingly volatile world.
France assumes the “hot seat” at a time when the G7 is facing a particularly difficult period due to objective global developments and internal disagreements among some member countries. International political and economic situations continue to undergo profound and unpredictable changes. Prolonged conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa pose direct threats to global stability. Changes in the economic and foreign policies of the US have forced traditional allies to adjust their strategies to adapt. In addition, the strong rise of the group of leading emerging economies (BRICS), the Group of Twenty (G20), and Southern Hemisphere countries has raised questions about the G7’s representativeness in a new global structure.
Internal tensions have also become a major obstacle to G7 cooperation. Analysts note that, 50 years on from its establishment, the group is facing unprecedented divisions as the shared values binding its members begin to erode. In 2025, relations between the US and Canada fell to their lowest level in history, largely due to turbulence in bilateral trade. At the same time, changes in Washington’s tariff policies and disruptions in transatlantic relations with the European Union (EU) have further widened the gap between the US and other G7 members.
These above factors directly threaten the group’s ability to reach consensus at a forum that brings together the world’s seven leading developed economies. In practice, differing approaches among some member states have led to growing fragmentation within the bloc. This was clearly reflected at the most recent G7 Summit in Canada, where the group was only able to issue statements on individual issues rather than make a comprehensive joint declaration, as had been customary for the past ten years.
In addition, the early departure of Donald Trump during the three-day summit also partly reflected deepening rifts. The atmosphere of consensus, once seen as the G7’s “hallmark”, now risks being overshadowed by disagreements among member states.
Despite facing these challenges, the G7 continues to play an important role, with its decisions maintaining a clear influence on global economic and political life. In this situation, the international community is watching closely and placing particular expectations on France’s performance as G7 chair in 2026. Most anticipated thing is Paris’s role in healing and narrowing the gaps between member states, while implementing a series of positive steps to enhance the G7’s position in addressing today’s pressing issues.
The agenda of the host country for the G7 Summit 2026 is expected to focus on ensuring macroeconomic stability, promoting cooperation on important minerals and artificial intelligence, and ensuring energy security. French President Emmanuel Macron has also underscored his desire to strengthen the group’s position in “a world that is becoming more unstable and divided.” These priorities highlight France’s determination to reaffirm the G7’s leading role in tackling urgent issues and adapting more effectively to the changes of the times.
Amid a world of unpredictable changes, 2026 will present France with a major challenge in its role as G7 chair. Specifically, as the US — a key member of the group — reshapes its foreign and economic strategies, whether the G7 can narrow its differences or will face the risk of even deeper divisions remains an open question. Nevertheless, this also offers Paris an opportunity to demonstrate its skill and courage as “helmsman” in this forum with far-reaching global influence.
