Macron orchestrates G7 summit success, Trump signs Iran deal

Key facts

• French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a G7 summit that successfully produced a joint declaration on Ukraine.
• The summit facilitated a US-Iran deal, with President Donald Trump signing a memorandum of understanding.
• Macron's diplomatic strategy involved engaging and flattering Trump, culminating in a lavish dinner at Versailles.
• Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was publicly remarked upon by Trump regarding a photo request.
• EU Council President António Costa's chief of staff reportedly made contact with Russia, diverging from the EU's zero-contact policy.

French President Emmanuel Macron successfully navigated a high-stakes G7 summit, achieving a joint declaration on Ukraine and facilitating a US-Iran deal. The summit, held between Évian-les-Bains and the Palace of Versailles, saw European leaders employ a strategy of engagement with US President Donald Trump, aiming to secure common ground and maintain influence.

Macron's approach, described as an "Évian moment," balanced flattery with self-interest, leading to a perceived "real convergence" between the US and Europe on the need for peace negotiations with Russia. The summit also served as vindication for the "Coalition of the Willing," reinforcing a dual-track strategy towards Trump: engage on issues requiring US involvement while pursuing independent European initiatives.

The US-Iran deal, reportedly signed by Trump, aims to ease pressure on global energy markets and refocus attention on Ukraine. The timing was influenced by mounting backlash to a perceived soft approach on Iran, prompting Trump to finalize the agreement. European officials view the deal as functional, though not ideal, and were encouraged by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stance on avoiding further strikes on Lebanon.

In a separate development, European Council President António Costa faced scrutiny over his chief of staff's undisclosed phone calls with Russia. This move signals a potential shift from the EU's policy of zero contact with Moscow since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, influenced by Trump's return to the White House and Ukraine's own strategy of engaging to demonstrate Russia's lack of commitment to peace.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni experienced a public episode with Trump, who commented on her request for a photo. Meloni responded assertively, highlighting Trump's tendency to respect adversaries more than allies, a lesson Macron may have also learned.