G7 leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to preventing and countering the smuggling of migrants, aiming to dismantle organized criminal networks that profit from these activities. The declaration, adopted in Évian, France, on June 17, 2026, underscores the group's determination to disrupt the business models of enterprises involved in migrant smuggling, human trafficking, and related crimes. Partner countries Kenya and the Republic of Korea also endorsed the declaration.

The leaders acknowledged that migrant smuggling and human trafficking are serious transnational crimes that undermine states' sovereign rights to control their borders. They emphasized the need to tackle organized illegal migration while protecting vulnerable groups, including refugees and forcibly displaced persons. The G7 Action Plan to Prevent and Counter the Smuggling of Migrants will continue to guide these efforts.

Key Measures

The declaration outlines several strategic actions to combat migrant smuggling:

• Targeted Sanctions: Adoption of sanctions and restrictive measures against individuals and entities involved in migrant smuggling, including online operations, where legally consistent.
• Online Cooperation: Intensified collaboration with online platforms to detect, prevent, and remove content used for smuggling operations.
• Origin and Transit Countries: Strengthened cooperation with countries of origin and transit to dismantle smuggling networks and prevent organized illegal migration.
• Economic Stability: Efforts to build stability and improve economic conditions in origin countries to enable individuals to thrive locally.

Return and Migration Management

The G7 leaders emphasized the obligation of states to accept the return of their nationals. They called for enhanced processes to ensure the timely, safe, lawful, and dignified return of individuals without legal right to stay in G7 territories. The declaration also noted new lawful approaches explored by some members with third countries to strengthen migration management, respecting national competences.

The outcome reflects productive exchanges between G7 members and partner countries, reinforcing a collective approach to addressing the challenges of migrant smuggling and human trafficking.

The Prime Minister met with the Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, and attended working sessions focused on artificial intelligence and international cooperation during the second day of the 2026 G7 Leaders' Summit in Évian, France. The engagements included discussions with outreach countries and international organisations, as well as a working luncheon with business leaders centred on AI. Following the summit activities, the Prime Minister departed for Geneva, Switzerland, en route to Ottawa, Canada, concluding the visit to France.

Schedule of Events

The itinerary for June 16, 2026, outlines key movements and engagements in Évian, Geneva, and the National Capital Region.

Media Access and Notes

Access for media representatives varied throughout the day. The morning media availability in Évian featured open coverage for accredited media. The meeting with Chancellor Merz included a pooled photo opportunity at the beginning. The working session and the working luncheon provided pooled photo opportunities and host broadcaster coverage. Departures from Évian and Geneva, as well as the arrival in Ottawa, were closed to media.