G7 summit at Swiss-French border brings tight security amid stir fears

Geneva: French and Swiss authorities will enforce extensive border and security restrictions during the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, from June 15-17, where US President Donald Trump and other world leaders are scheduled to attend. The summit is expected to address key issues including the Middle East, Ukraine and global economic imbalances.

Security measures have been intensified amid fears of violent protests similar to those seen during the 2003 G8 summit in Geneva. Environmental, feminist and anti-capitalist groups are planning demonstrations over tariffs, climate policies and the conflict involving Iran. Businesses in Geneva have boarded up shops, while organisations such as the World Trade Organization have advised staff to work remotely.

Under a joint security arrangement, Switzerland will deploy about 4,000 military personnel, while France will station more than 13,000 police and gendarmerie officers. Only seven of 35 border crossings will remain open. Authorities have urged residents and daily cross-border commuters to avoid non-essential travel and work from home where possible.