In a significant diplomatic calendar shift, France has decided to postpone the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) summit. The move aims to avoid a direct scheduling conflict with a high-profile event planned at the White House in the United States on June 14, as reported by POLITICO based on information from two sources.
Original Plans and the Scheduling Conflict
Initially, Paris had announced that the gathering of G7 leaders would be held from June 14 to June 16 in the scenic resort town of Evian-les-Bains, located on the shores of Lake Geneva. These dates, however, coincided with two notable occasions in the US: US Flag Day and President Donald Trump's 80th birthday.
The conflict became explicit when President Trump himself announced a grand plan for that day. During a speech at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, which marked the US Navy's 250th anniversary, Trump revealed, "On June 14 next year, we're gonna have a big UFC fight at the White House, right at the White House, on the grounds of the White House."
The Ambitious White House UFC Showcase
This event is positioned as a centerpiece of the broader celebrations for America's 250th anniversary. It is being promoted as one of the most ambitious showcases in the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). UFC CEO Dana White confirmed to CBS News that preparations are fully complete, with an estimated 5,000 people expected to attend the spectacle on the South Lawn of the White House.
Diplomatic Rescheduling and Official Response
Following the announcement of the UFC event, the G7 summit has now been formally rescheduled to June 15–17. The updated dates are already visible on the official G7 website. When questioned about the reason for the change, the office of French President Emmanuel Macron chose not to directly confirm a link to the UFC fight.
Instead, officials stated that the revised schedule was "the result of consultations with G7 partners." This diplomatic phrasing underscores the coordinated effort among the world's leading industrialized nations to align their calendars, ensuring maximum participation and focus for the crucial summit.
The rescheduling highlights the complex interplay between major international diplomacy and high-profile domestic events. While the G7 summit will proceed shortly after its original dates, the shift ensures it will no longer compete for global attention with the unique sporting and celebratory event planned at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
