Overview
- The three-day G7 summit in Évian ended on Wednesday with leaders issuing a joint declaration that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described as a clear success.
- President Donald Trump was reported in good spirits and cooperative at the talks, attended Macron’s Versailles dinner intended to keep U.S. engagement and drew positive comment from other leaders.
- Leaders opened formal discussions on extensive licensing to allow U.S. firms to authorize production of weapons by European and Ukrainian manufacturers to address shortfalls in air‑defence and other systems.
- A final working session focused on artificial intelligence brought CEOs from firms such as Anthropic and Black Forest Labs, with leaders pressing for secure, wider access to major U.S. models and stronger protections for minors.
- The summit ran under heavy security and set a clear follow-up path: detailed licensing negotiations, regional meetings led by Merz and Macron, and coordination ahead of upcoming EU and NATO gatherings.