G7 Summit Underway Amid Tensions Over Middle East and Trade War
What is the G7 Summit?
The 51st G7 Summit kicked off on 16–17 June 2025 in Alberta, hosted by Canadian PM Mark Carney, marking Canada’s second summit here since 2002.
The G7 is a group of advanced democracies—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US – plus the EU, meeting annually to align on global economic, security, and geopolitical issues.
What’s on the agenda?
This year’s summit spotlights three priorities: protecting communities and global peace, ensuring energy security and digital transition, and securing partnerships for the future.
The central debates centre on the Israel‑Iran conflict, US tariffs, and escalating tensions over trade and nuclear proliferation, under the looming shadow of US President Donald Trump and the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.
What Next?
Expect G7 declarations limited to thematic issues rather than full communiqués, avoiding direct public confrontation—particularly on Trump’s unilateral tariff decisions and Iran policy. European leaders will press Trump on Israel‑Iran de-escalation, while Canada pushes unity on global trade and energy resilience.
Bilateral discussions are underway on US auto tariffs, Ukraine support, and AI and defence contributions.
The summit’s outcome will be a critical test for international cooperation under a Trump presidency, with implications for the upcoming NATO meeting, future sanctions on Russia, and global supply chains. Security concerns are boosted, with Calgary and Banff set as protest hubs and emergency services on alert.
