France postpones G7 summit to avoid clash with White House UFC event

France has postponed this year’s Group of Seven (G7) summit by one day to avoid a scheduling conflict with a mixed martial arts event planned at the White House, according to an American newspaper.

The summit was originally scheduled to take place from June 14 to 16 in Evian-les-Bains, on the shores of Lake Geneva.

The first day coincides with both Flag Day in the United States and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.

In October, Trump announced that the White House would host a “big UFC fight” on June 14, with up to 5,000 spectators expected on the South Lawn. UFC chief Dana White confirmed that all logistical arrangements for the event have been finalised.

As a result, the G7 summit will now run from 15 to 17 June. A spokesperson for French President Emmanuel Macron said the change reflected consultations with G7 partners but did not confirm whether it was directly linked to the UFC event.

Local media first reported the possibility of the summit’s postponement due to Trump’s birthday. The U.S. Embassy in Paris has not yet commented.

By Aghakazim Guliyev