French President Emmanuel Macron announced a G7 summit to address energy costs and ordered increased protection for critical infrastructure against Russian hybrid threats.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced he will convene a G7 meeting to address rising global energy prices and potential strategic oil stock releases. The decision follows a crisis meeting at the Élysée Palace where intelligence officials briefed political leaders on threats stemming from the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East. Macron also ordered his government to develop plans to secure critical infrastructure and defense sites against an intensifying Russian hybrid threat.

Addressing Russian Hybrid Threats

Macron stated that the Russian hybrid threat against France and Europe has intensified in recent weeks, characterizing these actions as attempts to intimidate European nations and undermine support for Ukraine. He warned that such provocations would not go unanswered. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed these concerns, stating that Russia is planning hybrid strikes using missiles and drones against countries supporting Ukraine. Tusk suggested these attacks might be framed as accidental to test NATO's resolve and avoid triggering collective defense provisions.

Energy Security and Economic Challenges

The upcoming G7 summit aims to increase cooperation and mitigate tensions regarding energy issues. Macron noted that he is actively seeking to secure French access to oil and gas through discussions with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, with further talks planned with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Domestically, France faces a difficult fiscal outlook, including a planned €54 billion budget reduction. While this limits the state's ability to provide broad energy subsidies, Macron indicated that the government is developing targeted assistance proposals to help manage the impact of rising fuel prices.