On Friday, 17 May, the President of the French Republic travelled to Biarritz in preparation for the upcoming G7 Summit on 24-26 August.

This trip enabled Mr Macron to meet the Summit organizers and local representatives. The Mayor of Biarritz, Mr Michel Veunac, welcomed the President of the French Republic at the City Hall. With representatives from local and regional authorities, they held talks on a range of issues such as promoting territories or securing the perimeter. During his visit to Biarritz, the President visited the various sites which will welcome the G7 Heads of State and Government, as well as the countries invited to the Summit. He also visited the Halle d’Iraty Exhibition Centre, which will host the international press centre.

© Soazig de la Moissonniere / Présidence de la République

That evening, he fielded questions from local and national press at the Bellevue Convention Centre, which will be the main Summit venue. He stated that all necessary security steps will be taken to ensure there are no incidents during the G7. The President of the French Republic recalled the objective he shares with local elected representatives to ensure the Summit will be beneficial for Biarritz and the Basque Country over the long term. He then highlighted that many local initiatives for green growth and gender equality will be implemented during the G7.

Mr Macron noted that thousands of journalists and members of foreign delegations will travel to Biarritz and will stay in the Basque Country for the event; this will be good for the city, its shops and its businesses.

“What we want is to promote the city of Biarritz and the Basque Country during this G7.”

Emmanuel Macron, 17 May 2019