Lighter moments from G7 summit: Smoking cessation, football talk, and gift exchanges
The G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, focused on pressing international matters including Iran, Ukraine, and global trade. However, hot microphones also recorded lighter, unguarded moments among the world leaders, revealing personal anecdotes and casual camaraderie.
One notable exchange involved Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who disclosed that she had quit smoking. During a conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Ms. Meloni confirmed she had not smoked since the first of May. Fellow leaders congratulated her on the achievement, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney jokingly inquiring whether she was using a nicotine patch.
During a lunch break hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, football became a lively topic. The ongoing FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, prompted cheers for the French team, with a call of "Allez les Bleus." Leaders also discussed a recent Champions League victory by Paris Saint-Germain. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed astonishment at Cape Verde's goalless draw with defending champions Spain, calling it "quite remarkable."
US President Donald Trump, who was also celebrating his 80th birthday, spoke enthusiastically about a UFC cage match event he had hosted at the White House, mentioning UFC CEO Dana White. The informal chat reflected his well-known interest in combat sports.
Another microphone captured a partially audible exchange between European Council President António Costa and Mr. Trump, which appeared to include a reference to Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark. Mr. Trump has previously expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, a notion that has generated debate among European politicians. The full context of the conversation was not clear.
In a lighthearted moment, President Macron inadvertently left his wristwatch on the table after lunch. Canadian Prime Minister Carney pointed it out, and Mr. Trump jocularly suggested giving it to him, prompting laughter from those present.
The summit also saw exchanges of gifts. President Macron presented each of the seven visiting leaders with a bicycle to promote the Cycling World Championships scheduled for next year in the French Alps. Mr. Trump, who has often joked about his lack of exercise beyond golf, received the gift with others.
Additionally, German Chancellor Merz gave Mr. Trump a custom German national team jersey with the number 47 and his name on it. Mr. Trump held up the jersey for photographs alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Mr. Merz. Later, Mr. Merz posted on social media, "After all, we’re on the same team."
These unscripted moments provided a humanizing counterpoint to the formal diplomacy of the summit, reminding observers that even at high-stakes gatherings, personal interactions and shared interests can bridge divides.
