Leaders from the Group of Seven (G7) nations begin their annual talks Monday in the scenic Canadian Rockies, but the tranquil mountain setting belies the turbulence they face. From wars in Ukraine and the Middle East to mounting trade tensions and a volatile U.S. president, this year’s summit is a test of global democratic unity—and of the international order itself.
The heads of state from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States, along with European Union leaders, are convening in the alpine resort of Kananaskis through Tuesday. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, hosting his first major global event, is aiming to keep tensions from boiling over, especially with U.S. President Donald Trump returning to the summit stage for the first time since 2018.
Trump’s Disruptive Return Looms Large
Trump’s first five months back in office have upended foreign policy across the board. His soft stance on Russia, combative rhetoric toward traditional allies, and abrupt re-imposition of tariffs on G7 countries have fueled global economic anxiety. Amid ongoing wars and rising oil prices, this summit is widely seen as a critical juncture.
U.S. President Donald Trump waves while walking to board Marine One, to depart for the G7 Leaders’ Summit in the Rocky Mountain resort town of Kananaskis, from Calgary International Airport in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, June 15, 2025. REUTERS/Amber Bracken/Pool REFILE – CORRECTING NAME OF AIRCRAFT FROM “MARINE FORCE ONE” TO “MARINE ONE”.
“The most important goal will be for the world’s seven largest industrial nations to reach agreement and take action,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said before leaving for Canada.
Yet achieving that goal will not be easy. In a move to avoid a repeat of the 2018 debacle in Quebec—when Trump withdrew U.S. endorsement of the joint communique after storming out—Canada has abandoned any attempt at a unified final declaration. Instead, the summit will issue a chair’s summary and six negotiated statements covering areas like artificial intelligence, migration, and climate-related disasters.
Talks on Monday have focused on the global economy, advancing trade deals, and confronting China’s rising influence.
Trade Tensions and the China Factor
Trade remains another major flashpoint. Canada’s hope to advance talks on global trade rules and reduce tariff friction faces an uphill battle as Trump has so far shown little appetite for compromise. Trump’s threats to impose 50% tariffs on EU imports—restored under a July 9 deadline—have unsettled markets. European leaders have stressed that this is not the time to risk economic stability.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he departs the White House to attend the G7 summit in Canada, in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 15, 2025. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno
“This is not the right moment to create problems on trade,” said EU Council President Antonio Costa as reported in Reuters. “We need to strengthen our economic base and focus on European defence.”
The group’s draft communique, circulated after last week’s pre-summit meetings, mentioned China over 20 times—highlighting concerns about its unfair trade practices, military support for Russia, and economic coercion.
Beijing, preemptively stung by G7 criticism, lashed out at the group for what it called “manipulative practices” and a “Cold War mentality.” The G7 had hoped to use this summit to deepen outreach to the Global South, inviting leaders from India, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, and Australia. But Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian condemned the G7’s growing alignment with Global South nations as a deliberate attempt to isolate China.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, attending his first global summit after his June 3 election, hopes to use the gathering to resolve trade issues with both the U.S. and Japan. “By engaging with leaders of the United States and Japan, we can explore ways to resolve pending economic and trade issues such as tariffs,” said National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung speaks as Samsung Electronics Excecutive Chairman Jay Y. Lee and Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung listen during a meeting with business leaders at the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, June 13, 2025. Yonhap via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. SOUTH KOREA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN SOUTH KOREA.
Lee’s office also confirmed that he is open to a potential meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and will hold several bilateral talks while in Canada.
Oil, Iran, and the Fragile Energy Market
Adding urgency to the summit, a fresh escalation between Israel and Iran has spiked global oil prices. Israeli strikes on Iranian targets on June 12 have led to fears of broader regional war, pushing some G7 leaders to advocate for immediate de-escalation.
“We are united. Nobody wants to see Iran get a nuclear weapon and everyone wants discussions and negotiations to restart,” French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday. He emphasized Washington’s leverage, given Israel’s dependency on U.S.-supplied munitions.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen added, “Iran is the principal source of regional instability… The same drones and ballistic missiles are hitting cities in Ukraine and in Israel.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrives before world leaders meet in Kananaskis for the G7 leaders’ summit, at Calgary International Airport in Calgary, Alberta, Canada June 15, 2025. REUTERS/Amber Bracken/Pool
The G7 is expected to issue a joint call for restraint and diplomacy, but attempts to lower the $60-per-barrel price cap on Russian oil have been complicated by the recent surge in global energy costs.
Pro-Palestinian protesters hold placards on an airport road blocked by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), a day before world leaders meet in Kananaskis for the G7 leaders’ summit, in nearby Calgary, Alberta, Canada June 15, 2025. REUTERS/Ahmed Zakot
Ukraine and the Russian ‘Elephant in the Room’
European leaders are pushing for tougher sanctions on Russia and a path toward ceasefire negotiations. However, Trump has shown reluctance, repeatedly resisting proposals for new sanctions.
Von der Leyen urged G7 partners to back the EU’s proposed 18th sanctions package: “We must put more pressure on Russia to secure a real ceasefire.”
Trump, meanwhile, caused diplomatic waves by suggesting Russian President Vladimir Putin could act as a mediator in the Iran-Israel conflict. Macron immediately rejected the idea.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron arrives before world leaders meet in Kananaskis for the G7 leaders’ summit, at Calgary International Airport in Calgary, Alberta, Canada June 15, 2025. REUTERS/Amber Bracken/Pool
A European diplomat described the move as deeply concerning: “In the eyes of the U.S., there’s no condemnation for Ukraine, no peace without Russia, and now even credit for its mediation role with Iran. For Europeans, this will be a really tough G7.”
Ukraine’s President Zelenskiy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will attend Tuesday’s session. Macron and other EU officials see the summit—and the upcoming NATO meeting—as opportunities to pressure Trump into a stronger stance on Putin.
A Pivotal Moment for Global Democracy
Despite fractures, leaders agree that unity is essential. The G7, formed to safeguard democratic prosperity, is now grappling with internal discord, a resurgent Russia, and an emboldened China.
As reported in Reuters, “The big overarching question,” said Max Bergmann of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, “is whether the United States is still committed to formats like the G7. That’s the test.”
