After three days of talks in Évian-les-Bains, the G7 leaders departed on Wednesday. Discussions focused on the war in Ukraine, the regulation of artificial intelligence, international security, and several joint statements. Emmanuel Macron defended the invitation to Donald Trump to Versailles, while stating that he had not “never been ambiguous or weak” in his disagreements with the American president.
Macron defends a dinner at Versailles with Trump
Emmanuel Macron responded to criticism of the invitation to Donald Trump In Versailles, where the American president is scheduled to arrive this evening for a working dinner. When questioned at the G7 summit, the French president stated that he “fully” accepted the invitation. He presented Versailles as a diplomatic tool serving French power. “I think that France’s strength lies in this, and our major diplomatic actions have also been supported by our ability to welcome the world and its leaders. Let’s not be ashamed of who we are; Versailles is an instrument of diplomacy and power.”, he said.
“I have never been ambiguous or weak.”
Emmanuel Macron also responded to those accusing him of sending a signal of weakness by receiving Donald Trump in such a symbolic location. The French president asserted that he has always maintained his positions vis-à-vis the American president, particularly on points of disagreement. “If I hadn’t consistently held my ground over the past few months, you might have doubts about the balance of power, for sure.”he said, referring to an expression used in Davos and widely shared on social media. He then cited several issues on which he claims to have clearly expressed his disagreements with Donald Trump: Greenland, the territorial integrity of Europe, and European producers. “I have never been ambiguous or weak, and I have always been clear in expressing my disagreements.”Emmanuel Macron insisted.
Ukraine: Macron says he has confidence in Trump's commitments
The war in Ukraine was a central topic of discussion at the G7 summit. Emmanuel Macron addressed the exchanges between leaders, particularly regarding the military and diplomatic situation. According to him, the heads of state and government listened to the Ukrainian president with “great respect.” Volodymyr ZelenskyThe French president stated that the G7 members had agreed to increase their support for Ukraine and their pressure on Russia. He also stated that he had “always had confidence” Donald Trump, believing that the American president had “always done what he promised to do”.
Artificial intelligence: a call for better regulation
Emmanuel Macron also called for “better regulation” Artificial intelligence, particularly the most advanced models. The French president warned of the risk that these technologies could fall into the hands of authoritarian regimes or actors likely to threaten cybersecurity and democratic societies. “We must succeed in better regulating the most advanced artificial intelligence models to prevent them from falling into the hands of authoritarian regimes or people who could threaten our cybersecurity or our societies.”he said. He cautioned, however, that the answer could not be “The lack of cooperation between democracies”.
Nine declarations adopted unanimously
At the end of the summit, Emmanuel Macron announced that the G7 members had unanimously adopted nine declarations. These included a geopolitical declaration focusing on Ukraine and the Middle East, a call from heads of government on the fight against cancer, a coordinated response to the Ebola epidemic, a text on critical mineral supply chains, and a declaration for a safer digital space for miners.
