Foreign ministers from the world’s leading Western democracies are meeting in France this week against the backdrop of conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, economic uncertainty, and growing unease over an increasingly unpredictable United States foreign policy.

The two-day gathering is taking place at the restored 12th-century Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay, located about 40 km southwest of Paris. It brings together ministers from the G7 Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States alongside representatives from the European Union.

The group, which first convened as six nations in nearby Rambouillet 50 years ago, has traditionally addressed major economic and geopolitical challenges with broad consensus.

However, that cohesion has weakened since Donald Trump returned to the U.S. presidency in 2025.

U.S. Seen as Destabilising Element

Over the past year, both allies and adversaries have been adjusting to abrupt shifts in U.S. policy, ranging from tariffs to its approach to Ukraine, and now the Middle East conflict, which European diplomats and officials say lacks clear objectives or an exit strategy.

France’s army chief on Wednesday criticised Washington’s unpredictability, stating that it is affecting the interests and security of its allies.

“The U.S. attitude is an element of destabilisation of the international system for all players, not only for members of the G7, but also for China and many other countries worldwide,” said Thomas Gomart, director of the Paris-based French Institute of International Relations.

Highlighting the departure from past practice, officials have dropped attempts to draft a comprehensive joint communiqué in order to avoid exposing divisions.

Allies Seek Iran Clarity from Rubio

A key priority for Washington’s partners will be a briefing from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is scheduled to attend the second day of the meeting on Friday.

Officials indicated that allies are seeking greater clarity on U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran, as well as whether any meaningful diplomatic channel exists to bring the conflict to an end.

Discussions will also address the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed, disrupting around a fifth of global oil supplies.

Ministers from Brazil, India, South Korea and Saudi Arabia all major economic powers whose positions are critical on global security, energy, and diplomatic crises will also participate.

No Unfavourable Deal for Ukraine

Efforts to negotiate an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine have stalled, and European officials are concerned that the United States which has led mediation efforts and pursued improved relations with Moscow could pressure Kyiv into accepting an unfavourable peace deal ahead of U.S. midterm elections in November.

European representatives said they would emphasise to Rubio that such an outcome would be unacceptable, advocating instead for tougher sanctions on Russia and immediate measures to prepare Ukraine for another winter of conflict.

These measures include protecting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which has been repeatedly targeted by Russian attacks, as well as maintaining military support for Kyiv.

“We will reiterate firm support for Kyiv and for U.S. mediation efforts, stressing the need to maintain strong pressure on Moscow through sanctions,” an Italian diplomatic source said.

Ukraine’s foreign minister is also expected to attend the discussions.

The meeting will contribute to France’s priorities ahead of its G7 leaders’ summit in the Alps next June, including addressing global imbalances and the challenges facing multilateralism. Paris has also sought to involve China more closely in these discussions.

One area where officials anticipate potential agreement during the French presidency is the establishment of a G7 task force to combat drug smuggling.

(with inputs from Reuters)