Merz in Canada: G7 summit as a test for Europe!

Merz in Canada: G7 summit as a test for Europe!

Today, June 16, 2025, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Canada for one of the most important events in international politics, the G7 summit. He landed in Calgary with his wife Charlotte on Sunday afternoon (local time) and continued his journey to the summit hotel in the picturesque Kananaskis River Valley in the Rocky Mountains. The heads of state and government of the most important Western democracies will meet here to discuss pressing global issues. This is an important meeting because the G7 has acted as a community of values ​​since Russia was kicked out in 2014.

Merz will meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the evening to discuss the summit agenda. The key issues on the table include the escalation in the Middle East conflict, efforts to end the Ukraine war and the ongoing customs conflict with the USA. Particular attention will also be paid to the planned meeting with US President Donald Trump, with Merz hoping for an agreement despite the differences that exist between the two heads of state.

Central themes of the summit

At the G7 summit, participants will be faced with a number of key issues. In addition to the worrying situation in the Middle East, particularly in the conflict between Israel and Iran, developments in the Ukraine conflict will also be discussed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj will seek support and strengthening European leadership is one of Merz's stated goals in this context. However, optimism is muted as overall expectations for the summit are low. This is partly due to the strained relationship between the US and Europe, particularly since the re-election of Trump, whose policies have already raised international tensions during his first term in office.

• Konflikt im Nahen Osten (Israel-Iran)
• Ukraine-Krieg und Unterstützung für die Ukraine
• Handelskonflikt, insbesondere Zollpolitik mit den USA
• Migrationspolitik und Rohstoffversorgung
• Technologische Herausforderungen, darunter Künstliche Intelligenz

A highlight will be a possible agreement on lowering the price cap for Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel. This measure is intended to reduce Russia's financial influence and reduce state revenues from oil exports, which account for about a third of Russia's revenues. In addition, due to outstanding agreements, there is a risk of new high US tariffs on EU exports from July 9th, which increases the pressure on the negotiations.

A peak of challenges

In the days following the summit, other important meetings will follow, including a NATO summit in The Hague and an EU summit in Brussels, making this June a veritable summit marathon. The talks in the Kananaskis River Valley are just the beginning of a whole series of crucial political discussions. Merz sees this conference as a test for possible stronger European unity and is trying to bridge the differences within the G7 in order to appear united at the international level.

The coming days promise exciting conversations and challenging decisions. If the G7 countries work together, this could be a positive sign for the international community. But whether this will succeed remains to be seen. Many are hoping for a signal of unity and cooperation, while others are skeptical about developments - especially in view of Trump's unpredictable policies.

In summary, the G7 summit in Kananaskis is more than just a meeting of powerful politicians. It is an opportunity to set the course for a stable and peaceful future that is important for all nations.