G7 Gathers in Canada: Can Trump Disrupt the Consensus?
Trump considering disrupting G7 summit proceedings?
Hold onto your hats! The leaders of the seven major industrial nations (G7) are gathering this weekend at a luxurious mountain resort in Canada. For Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, this is a grand debut. However, the most explosive drama will likely unfold around the unpredictable US President, Donald Trump, who has a notorious disdain for such multi-lateral gatherings.
This time, unlike in 2018, there won't be a comprehensive final declaration - and that's because Trump was the US President back then, as well as the host, and he caused quite the commotion. After the summit, Trump withdrew his support on Twitter (now extinct) as he left. So, we're eager to see if history will repeat itself. Will Trump flatten any new consensus Brobdingnagian-style?
According to the German government, the primary objective is to send a clear message of unity, paving the way for the seven largest industrial nations in the world to act cohesively. In lieu of a broad summit declaration, several texts on areas where all G7 states agree will be adopted. "Our aim," Merz said before departing to Canada, "is to ensure that the seven largest industrial nations in the world are united and capable of acting."
Some key topics on the agenda include the conflict between Israel and Iran, the Ukraine issue, and climate change. Regarding the latter, Merz expressed hopes for prompt action, even if it isn't Trump's preferred topic.
Diplomacy Amidst Discord
The G7 summit is an opportunity for Merz to court Donald Trump and smooth over any lingering rifts, especially after their delightful meeting at the White House went swimmingly. Reflecting on his approach to dealing with the Trump administration, Merz stated, "You can talk to them, but you must not be intimidated." And, "Let's stop talking about Donald Trump with a raised index finger and a wrinkled nose."
Joining Germany, the US, Canada, Italy, France, and the UK at the G7 summit, host Mark Carney intends to kick off discussions on the world economy. Alas, due to ongoing trade conflicts, there will be no summit declaration on free world trade. Instead, the leaders will issue a declaration on the importance of the security of critical raw materials.
Tension on the Northern Border
Canada's Prime Minister is likely chomping at the bit to play host, but Trump is arguably the least delightful guest on the list. After all, it doesn't foster great neighborly vibes when Trump questionably rejects a nation's sovereignty and longs for its incorporation. Moreover, no other country would feel the pinch from U.S. tariffs more than Canada, whose economy is intricately intertwined with the US. But Canada's Prime Minister asserted, "Canada is not for sale," to which Trump responded, "Never say never."
The Ukraine Question Mark
Regarding the Ukraine issue, a German government official emphasized the importance of keeping the US engaged in the negotiation process between Russia and Ukraine. On sanctions, they noted, "We're hoping to make a tiny step in the right direction," gearing up towards the EU's demand for increased pressure on Russia. As for whether the US and Europe will tread the same path, remains to be seen.
One topic under discussion will center around the lowering of the price cap for Russian oil, targeted by the EU in its latest round of sanctions. However, it's uncertain if Trump will take that leap of faith. On Monday, leaders from India, Brazil, and South Africa will join the summit, just in time to see if they can catch any drama unfolding.
The Trump Acme on Putin Sanctions
The G7 summit assumes added significance for Berlin, as maintaining the US's continued military support for Ukraine is seen as a challenging endeavor. Trump has repeatedly criticized military aid to Ukraine, which includes crucial information sharing from the US intelligence services. From the German perspective, the G7 summit carries a "milestone character" on the Ukraine issue, as it will also be discussed at the upcoming NATO summit.
Stay tuned for the latest updates from the G7 summit!
- G7
- Canada
- Friedrich Merz
- Donald Trump
- Tariffs
- Ukraine
The Commission has been consulted on the draft budget as the G7 leaders gather in Canada, given the potential impact of the meeting's outcomes on global economics and politics. The politics surrounding the G7 summit are of particular interest, given the unpredictable behavior of US President Donald Trump, who has a history of disrupting such multilateral gatherings, especially in regard to free world trade and sanctions on Russia.
