Diving into the Canadian Mountains: G7 Summit Awaits Trump's Wild Card
Is Trump contemplating a bombing of the G7 summit?
Its time for the hotshots of the seven wealthiest nations (G7) to meet in the Canadian Rockies this weekend. Newcomer Friedrich Merz, Germany's Chancellor, is eager to make his mark - yet, the spotlight will be on none other than US President Donald Trump, who clashes with such global gatherings. Whether Trump's demeanor makes or breaks this three-day summit in the resort of Kananaskis remains to be seen.
Last time Trump reigned, there was no conclusive agreement. In 2018, Canada hosted the summit; Trump tweeted (now defunct) his withdrawal support on his way back home, leaving a sour taste in the air. Now, without a comprehensive final declaration, several concise documents on areas where all G7 members agree will be adopted instead. "The united force of the world's seven industrial giants must be demonstrated," Merz declared before departing for Canada.
The war between Israel and Iran is an intriguing topic up for discussion. Merz insisted, "Israel retains the right to protect its existence and the security of its citizens," casting the Iranian nuclear weapons program as an existential menace to Israel. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will join the gathering but anticipates no joint statement on Ukraine, as Merz stated, "I wish to convey a message of absolute unity here as well."
In Canada, Merz plans to strengthen his fledgling bond with Trump. His appraisal of dealing with the Trump administration? "Conversations can be held, but intimidation must be avoided." Besides the US, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, the UK, and Japan, guest delegates from India, Brazil, and South Africa are expected to join the festivities.
The first day of the summit will focus on the global economy, with Trump and Merz sharing their perspectives. However, due to trade conflicts ignited by Trump, no joint declaration will be made regarding free trade. Instead, a declaration on the significance of the supply security of vital raw materials will be put forward at the summit.
Stuck Neighbors: Canada and Trump's Tense Relations
For Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau (not Mark Carney, as mentioned; Carney is a former Governor of the Bank of England), Trump is the least inviting guest. After all, disputes over Canadian sovereignty and Trump's ambition to annex Canada to the US strain their friendship. Moreover, Canada's economy, deeply intertwined with the US, is the most vulnerable to US tariffs. During Trudeau's initial visit to the White House, he proclaimed, "Canada is not for sale," earning a riposte from Trump, "Never say never."
Sanctions: Allies Conflicted?
With Ukraine as the focal point, the G7 summit aims to keep the US engaged in the Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Regarding sanctions, a source expressed eagerness to move "a little in the right direction," referring to the EU's request for increased pressure on Russia. It remains to be seen whether the US and EU will collaborate on this issue. A notable point will be the EU's planned reduction of the price cap for Russian oil in the 18th sanctions package.
United We Stand: Trump and the Ukraine Problem
Retaining US military support for Ukraine will test Berlin significantly. "If we can secure the status quo, with the Americans providing crucial military contributions to Ukraine, we're on the right track," declared a German government representative. Significant US contributions include intelligence sharing, essential for the Ukrainian army, a matter that Trump has criticized in the past. The G7 summit is said to carry major significance for the Ukraine issue, a topic that will also come up at the NATO summit the following week.
Climate Change: A difficult Sell for Trump?
Canada's G7 presidency intends to promote climate and environmental protection on the G7 agenda. Both nations share this concern, though it's not Trump's preference. On issues such as AI, quantum technology, and wildfires, final declarations are planned at the summit.
In line with a trend of relocating massive summits from bustling cities to secluded hotels in nature, the G7 summit in Kananaskis started this trend. The violent protests that erupted in 2001 during the G7 summit in Genoa underlined the potential dangers of urban gatherings. As such, the seven leaders will be secluded in the luxurious Pomeroy Mountain Lodge, away from any protests.
Source: ntv.de, vpe/rts/AFP/dpa
- G7
- Canada
- Friedrich Merz
- Donald Trump
- Tariffs
- Ukraine
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft budget regarding the concerns in environmental-science, climate-change, and politics, as the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada, approaches, where discussions on these topics are expected.
- In addition to discussing the war between Israel and Iran, science, climate-change, and environmental-science will be addressed at the G7 summit, as Canada, under its presidency, aims to promote climate and environmental protection.
- Amidst the tense relations between Canada and Trump due to disputes over Canadian sovereignty and tariffs, the G7 summit in Kananaskis will witness political discussions, including those on climate-change and climate and environmental protection, areas of concern for both nations.
