This year’s G7 summit will take place in Évian. This also has consequences for Switzerland. Image: keystone
The annual G7 summit will take place in Évian-les-Bains, France, from June 15th to 17th. The Geneva authorities have taken extensive security precautions. The most important questions and answers.
June 4, 2026, 1:06 p.mJune 4, 2026, 1:06 p.m
When the G8 summit took place in Évian-les-Bains in 2003, there was massive damage to property in Geneva. Now, 23 years later, high-ranking representatives of the G7 states, the EU and other heads of state and government are meeting again in Évian, France, not far from the Swiss border.
This is where Evian-les-Bains is:
The most important questions and answers.
Who will take part?
The group of leading democratic economic powers, which includes the USA, Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, Canada and Japan as well as the European Union, will meet in Évian on Lake Geneva from June 15th to 17th. US President Donald Trump has also officially announced his participation in the G7 summit. The following are therefore confirmed:
- US President Donald Trump
- French President Emmanuel Macron
- Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney
- Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz
- Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
- Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer
- EU Council President Antonio Costa and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
The invited countries also include Brazil, India, Kenya, South Korea and Syria.
Also coming to Évian: US President Donald Trump. Image: keystone
Are there safety concerns?
Yes, as always at G7 meetings, demonstrations regarding the summit are also planned in Évian. The Geneva government is expecting 10,000 to 20,000 demonstrators on June 14th, and 50,000 people are also a possible scenario, according to security director Carole-Anne Kast (SP). The Geneva authorities have taken extensive security precautions. They referred to the experiences of the G8 summit in 2003 in Évian-les-Bains, when there was massive damage to property in Geneva.
The route was also a point of contention in the last few days. The “No G7” coalition, which includes around 60 organizations, sued in court against the government’s plans to limit the demonstration to the right bank of the lake – but without success. Crossing the Mont Blanc Bridge was refused.
In addition, the demonstration may not begin until 4 p.m. “so that the voting process is not disrupted,” said Kast. The “No G7” had requested that the protest march be allowed to begin at 2 p.m. In addition, the “No G7” wanted to build a demonstration village in the Parc des Bastions in downtown Geneva. This was also rejected by the court.
Shops in Geneva are barricaded due to security concerns. Image: keystone
The Geneva State Council now intends to meet quickly with the coalition to discuss adjustments to the route, provided that it submits proposals that are “reasonable from a security perspective.” Adjustments are possible if there are good reasons for them, Kast said on Wednesday.
The permit for the demonstration is only valid for Sunday. In addition, the rally participants are not allowed to wear masks.
The summit also has a significant impact on cross-border commuters. Switzerland runs from June 10th to 19th, 2026 temporarily carrying out controls at the border with France. During these days, the Anières, Moillesulaz, Thônex-Vallard, Bardonnex, Perly, Meyrin and Ferney-Voltaire crossings will remain open. However, around 30 smaller border crossings will be closed.
The army will also be deployed. Around 4,000 soldiers are helping to secure the border and Geneva airport in the border area with France.
What does “No-G7” say?
The “No-G7” coalition criticizes what it sees as the “surreal” conditions associated with the partially approved demonstration in Geneva.
“We are asked not to make too much noise,” said Francoise Nyffeler, representative of the alliance, to the media on Thursday. Regardless of the planned route, the coalition is particularly bothered by the requirement not to use loudspeakers and megaphones too loudly. In addition, a 3.5 meter strip must be kept clear on both sides of the demonstration procession. “I cannot guarantee that these conditions will be met,” Nyffeler continued.
The “No-G7” in front of the media on Thursday.Image: keystone
Who pays for all of this?
When the G8 summit in Geneva escalated in 2003, costs of around 35 million francs were incurred. That’s when France took over according to the SRF around 23 million francs, i.e. around two thirds of the costs.
It is not yet clear who will cover the costs this time. Opposite the “Tages-Anzeiger” Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis was confident that a solution to the costs would be found with France. But he also says:
“Deciding today who will pay what would be counterproductive. That would be like sending a message to the demonstrators: Do whatever you want, we have already divided the bill.
Foreign Minister Iganzio Cassis
At a recent press conference in Geneva, Parmelin also expressed confidence that Paris would contribute to the costs.
What’s on the agenda for this year’s summit?
There is definitely no shortage of topics for the participants this year. Be specific the following topics on the agenda:
- Settlement of major geopolitical crises
- Develop a common definition of the causes of excessive macroeconomic imbalances
- Reshaping the system of international solidarity towards fairer and more effective international partnerships
- Securing value chains
- Development of reliable digital tools that are accessible to everyone
- Combating illicit flows and organized crime
The Federal Council is also active in the G7. Federal President Guy Parmelin receives the heads of state and government of the G7 summit in Évian on the French side of Lake Geneva in Geneva. Parmelin doesn’t yet know how much time he will be able to spend with the G7 heads of state and government in Geneva. Nor what he himself will do in Évian.
(With material from sda)