G7 summit in Canada: Merz and Trump face delicate negotiations!

G7 summit in Canada: Merz and Trump face delicate negotiations!

Starting Monday, June 15, the leaders of the G7 will gather in the picturesque setting of Kananaskis, Canada. The heads of state and government of the leading democratic industrial nations, including American President Donald Trump, will meet there to discuss current global political challenges. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has set modest goals for the summit this time. There are no hopes for a major joint statement, especially on the sensitive situation in Ukraine, as there are fears that the wording could lead to conflicts, especially with Trump. Historian Anne Applebaum has already expressed concerns about Trump's influence on democracy in the USA.

Expectations are subdued in advance. While the last G7 summit in 2018 ended chaotically when Trump withdrew his endorsement via Twitter, this time the hosts are trying to make only a few innocuous statements on substantive issues to minimize the risk of tensions. Friedrich Merz will travel to Canada on Sunday, not looking for a fight with Trump, but with the aim of sending a signal of G7 unity. This meeting follows Merz's harmonious conversation with Trump in Washington on June 5, which could set the stage for healthy discussions. Still, there are concerns that Trump's patience could be tested during the sessions.

The summit agenda

The G7 summit's agenda covers a variety of topics, including the Ukraine war, Russia sanctions and the increasingly pressing climate change. Particular attention is being paid to the debate over the price cap for Russian oil, which is set to be lowered from the current $60 to $45 per barrel. This measure aims to damage Russia economically and increase pressure on the country. The EU has already implemented new sanctions against Russia, primarily targeting the Russian shadow fleet.

Friedrich Merz will rely on US support at the summit to maintain cooperation on sanctions against Russia. Nevertheless, many are skeptical because Trump has shown little interest in consistent sanctions in the past. The planned meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskiy could also be sensitive, as Trump is not in good terms with him after Zelenskiy's expulsion from the White House.

A look at the world situation

The international situation is tense. The Israeli attack on Iran and the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine cast their shadow on the G7 discussions. The EU Commission is working on an 18th sanctions package that will only come into force if the USA goes along with it. However, the US Senate requires Trump's approval, which increases the complexity of the negotiations. Amid these challenges, the G7 countries must also address the effects of climate change. At the summit, the debate will arise about the physical forest fires in the United States as an alarming sign of climate change.

Customs negotiations between G7 countries and the US are also tense, with a deadline of July 9th. There are fears that Trump's changeable customs policy could lead to renewed tensions. It will be all the more important that the G7 members show a good hand and find solutions in small steps to de-escalate the situation and send a strong common signal. The G7 summit therefore represents not only a challenge, but also an opportunity to maintain and strengthen the balance of international relations.

The following NATO summit in the week after the G7 summit could show whether the G7's efforts are bearing fruit and further progress can be made. We can only hope that the leaders in Kananaskis show the right sensitivity to the tense global political situation and strive for constructive solutions.

You can find more information in the reports from ZDF, South Germans and Fulda newspaper.