FRANCE PERSPECTIVE

Paris hosted G7 trade ministers on May 5-6 against a backdrop where the question of American tariffs on European cars loomed over every conversation without ever being addressed directly in formal sessions. France 24 reported that ministers 'talked trade without mentioning tariffs' — a formulation that says everything about the political paralysis.

The official agenda — critical minerals and supply chain diversification — produced an appearance of common ground, particularly between the EU and the United States on reducing dependence on China for rare earths and lithium. But both France Info and Le Monde noted the glaring absence of any joint statement on car tariffs, which Trump had reactivated with a fresh 25% threat two days before the summit.

France's position is that of an embarrassed host: too invested in the transatlantic relationship to openly denounce Trump, yet unable to pretend the G7 has resolved the tariff issue. France followed the EU line — 'a deal is a deal' — but without the rhetorical escalation Brussels might have preferred.