G7
The G7 is an annual meeting of the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, with the European Union fully involved since 1977 (French G7 presidency site). It has no legal existence, permanent secretariat or treaty; the country holding the yearly rotating presidency hosts it and sets the agenda. Its leaders issue declarations rather than binding decisions.
Who leads it
- 2026 G7 presidency: France (President Emmanuel Macron hosted the Évian summit, 15-17 June 2026) (since 2026) (elysee.fr)
The UK and the G7
The UK is one of the seven members. Prime Minister Keir Starmer attended the 2026 Évian summit (gov.uk, 15 June 2026), and HM Treasury states the UK will hold the G7 presidency in 2028.
Key figures
| Figure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Members (2026) | 7 countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, United States; EU fully involved since 1977 | French G7 presidency (Élysée), read 20 October 2026 |
| Founded (—) | 1975, as the G6 | French G7 presidency (Élysée), read 20 October 2026 |
| 2026 summit (2026) | Évian, France, 15-17 June 2026 | French G7 presidency (Élysée), read 20 October 2026 |
| Partner countries invited to Évian (2026) | Brazil, South Korea, Egypt, India and Kenya, plus Ukraine and several Gulf states | French G7 presidency (Élysée), read 20 October 2026 |
| Leaders' texts published after Évian (June 2026) | 9 declarations, statements and calls (critical minerals, growth, geopolitical issues, migrant smuggling, drug trafficking, international partnerships, cancer, Ebola, children online) | French G7 presidency (Élysée), read 20 October 2026 |
| UK G7 presidency (as stated in 2025-26 accounts) | 2028 | HM Treasury, read 20 October 2026 |
| G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration loans to Ukraine (31 March 2026) | about $50 billion in total; UK loan £2.26 billion | HM Treasury, read 20 October 2026 |
What it decides
- No legal powers: the G7 has 'no legal existence, permanent secretariat or ex officio members' (French G7 presidency).
- Each year's presidency sets political priorities and provides resources for the group's work.
- Leaders agree joint declarations and initiatives; for example, the G7's Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration loans to Ukraine, repaid from profits on immobilised Russian sovereign assets (HM Treasury).
- In the UK, the Chancellor of the Exchequer leads on international economic and financial affairs at the G7 and G20 (gov.uk role description for the Chancellor).
Records you can check
- 2026 G7 Évian summit documentsAll leaders' declarations and statements from the 2026 summit
- GOV.UK: Prime Minister's Office newsUK readouts of bilateral meetings at G7 summits
- HM Treasury Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26UK costs and loans linked to G7 initiatives such as the ERA loan to Ukraine
Common questions
Which countries are in the G7?
Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The European Union has been fully involved since 1977 (French G7 presidency).
Does the G7 make laws?
No. It has no legal existence, permanent secretariat or treaty; leaders issue declarations and agree joint initiatives (French G7 presidency).
Where was the 2026 G7 summit?
Évian, France, from 15 to 17 June 2026, hosted by President Emmanuel Macron (Élysée).
When will the UK next host the G7?
In 2028, according to HM Treasury's 2025-26 annual report.
How much has the UK lent Ukraine through the G7?
£2.26 billion under the G7's Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration scheme, of which £1,506 million had been advanced by 31 March 2026 and £753 million more in April 2026 (HM Treasury).
Other bodies at level 10
Sources
- Élysée (French G7 presidency): What is the G7?, read 20 October 2026
- Élysée: 2026 G7 Summit in Évian, read 20 October 2026
- GOV.UK: Pressure piled on Russia as Prime Minister steps up support to power Ukraine at G7 Summit, read 20 October 2026
- HM Treasury Annual Report and Accounts, year to 31 March 2026, read 20 October 2026
- GOV.UK: The Rt Hon John Healey MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, read 20 October 2026