Exclusive: Geneva is stepping up preparations for the G7 summit—the city is bracing for protests (photo)
The summit, which will take place June 15–17 on the shores of Lake Geneva in the French city of Évian-les-Bains, will bring together leaders from the world’s leading economies. Meanwhile, in Geneva, located near the lake, preparations for the summit are underway amid heightened security measures.
This is reported by UA.NEWS’s special correspondent in Geneva.
As is well known, protests are expected during the summit, so local businesses have covered their storefronts with OSB panels in advance for safety reasons.
The main reasons for Geneva’s heightened preparations:
- The safety of world leaders. Switzerland is deploying approximately 4,000 troops and strengthening control of airspace, borders, and transportation routes around Lake Geneva.
- Fears of mass protests. Authorities fear actions by anti-globalization, environmental, and other protest movements. The memory of the 2003 G8 summit in Evian plays a special role, as clashes and significant property damage occurred in Geneva at that time.
- Border restrictions. During the summit, most border crossings between France and Switzerland will be closed, affecting the daily commutes of tens of thousands of people.
- Critical infrastructure protection. Special attention is being paid to Geneva Airport, transportation hubs, the lake, and government facilities.
- High level of international tension. Swiss authorities have explicitly stated that the current geopolitical situation requires “exceptional security measures.”
As a result, traffic restrictions are already being implemented in Geneva, some events and tourist programs are being canceled, and residents are being warned about possible traffic jams and increased police patrols.
The Swiss Air Force will also step up airspace patrols, imposing flight restrictions from June 10 to 19, and will deploy anti-drone systems and defenses against nuclear, biological, and chemical threats.
A special correspondent for UA.NEWS will be at the summit and will report on the most interesting details from the scene.
As a reminder, Macron confirmed Zelenskyy’s participation in the G7 summit.
French President Emmanuel Macron is considering unconventional ways to influence U.S. President Donald Trump during the G7 summit to prevent him from leaving early.
