Trump Stalls Grand Final Declaration: The 7 Agreements Trump Approved at the 2025 G7 Summit
Trump endorsed these seven accords during the G7 summit
The 2025 G7 summit ended without the traditional joint final declaration due to U.S. President Donald Trump's reluctance to commit to several agreements desired by other participants. To avert the appearance of total inaction and division, the Canadian presidency negotiated some common ground on specific topics. In the following areas, Trump joined the consensus, albeit tentatively:
Tackling Irregular Migration and Human Trafficking
G7 nations aim to strengthen efforts against criminal human trafficking organizations and improve border security. According to the joint declaration, human trafficking is often linked to other crimes like money laundering, corruption, and drug trafficking. The safety and well-being of migrants, who are often victims of abuse, exploitation, and forced labor, are key concerns.
The new initiatives, as stated in the declaration from the heads of state and government, will be built upon the G7 action plan from the previous year and will be spearheaded by the relevant ministers this year. Measures include intensifying the tracking of money flows and cooperating with transportation companies to curb human trafficking operations on social media platforms.
Furthermore, sanctions against criminal actors involved in human trafficking may be considered, with a focus on state-controlled organizations in countries like Belarus and Russia. Besides the USA, Canada, and Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Japan, and the European Union are part of the G7.
Fighting Wildfires
The G7 nations have expressed concern about the escalating record-breaking wildfires over the past decade. To tackle this issue, global cooperation will be vital going forward. While the USA requested that climate change not be mentioned as a factor, possible preventive measures against new wildfires include sustainable forest management and controlled burning of forests.
Halting Cross-Border Repression
The G7 defines cross-border repression as a form of aggressive foreign interference, where states or their proxies try to intimidate and terrorize people or communities beyond their national borders. Examples of such actions include cyberattacks and smear campaigns against journalists or human rights activists.
The G7 intends to create early warning systems and provide support for affected civil society actors to counter cross-border repression.
Action Plan for Critical Minerals
G7 nations aim to lessen their dependence on authoritarian resource powers such as China and secure their own supplies of strategically important resources like lithium, cobalt, or rare earths. Critical minerals are essential for a wide range of technologies for climate protection, digital applications, space, and defense.
To achieve this, G7 member nations will facilitate investments and build partnerships with trustworthy mineral-rich countries. The group also seeks technological solutions and international cooperation to secure competitiveness in this sensitive geopolitical sector through the circular economy and innovation.
Declaration on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Technologies
The G7 countries aim to lead in the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) for economic growth and societal benefits while promoting innovation, job security, and international justice. The promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises will be supported through concrete programs and international cooperation in accessing AI technologies. Simultaneously, the G7 seeks to integrate AI with public services, energy systems, and global development goals.
Organizations like the European Union and the United States are working together on developing shared principles for AI, including traceability, human oversight, and accountability. These efforts reflect increasing concern among governments and industry leaders over the ethical and security implications of AI's widespread deployment.
In terms of quantum technologies, the G7 intends to advance research, commercialization, technology transfer, and specialist training to exploit the innovation potential in areas like super-fast computers, secure communication channels, and faster and more precise disease detection.
Middle East Conflict and Security
The G7 issued a joint declaration supporting Israel’s right to self-defense while naming Iran as a "principal source of regional instability and terror." They reaffirmed their commitment that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. The declaration also expressed concerns about the war between Israel and Iran and highlighted the importance of protecting civilian populations in the conflict. Furthermore, it emphasized the need for a broader de-escalation in the Middle East to restore peace, including a ceasefire in Gaza.
The 2025 G7 summit marked a significant turning point as the lack of a comprehensive final declaration underscored the deep policy divisions among member nations, particularly regarding differing views on Russia's invasion of Ukraine and other geopolitical conflicts. The absence of consensus on these major issues demonstrated the challenges faced by the G7 in maintaining unity and relevance in today's complex global landscape.
- The European Union and its Member States, along with other G7 nations, are collaborating on developing shared principles for Artificial Intelligence, aiming for responsible use, innovation, job security, and international justice.
- As part of the G7's Action Plan for Critical Minerals, the European Union is working with the United States and other G7 members to facilitate investments, build partnerships, and secure supplies of strategically important resources like lithium, cobalt, or rare earths.
