From 15-17 June, G7 leaders – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the U.S. – convened in Kananaskis, Canada for the 2025 G7 Summit. The agenda covered a range of pressing global issues, including the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, the conflict in Ukraine, and escalating tensions between China and Taiwan. Collectively, the G7 represents 44% of GDP but only 10% of the world’s population.
Additionally, the Summit took place amid increasing U.S. trade tensions. Each EU leader held bilateral talks with President Trump, aiming to reset relations with the United States. Their statements revealed a unified push for stability and fairness.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, shared, “The G7 Summit is an opportunity for good and deep talks between partners. I discussed with President Trump critical issues, from Ukraine to trade. On trade, we instructed our teams to accelerate their work to strike a good and fair deal.”
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed; “With Trump, we discussed the shared interest of the United States and Europe in stabilising our trade relations and promoting growth and employment in each of our countries.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni declared: “During the G7, I had a bilateral meeting with the President of the United States…We also addressed the issue of economic relations between the EU and the U.S., reiterating the importance of strengthening transatlantic cooperation.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz shared: “The G7 is an unbeatable group – responsible for 44 per cent of the global economy. To keep it that way and to achieve stronger growth again, we must do our homework: strengthen trade, reduce tariffs, and remain attractive to markets.”
U.S. President Donald Trump left the meeting early, citing the Middle East as the reason for his departure.
From the Summit, it was clear that the EU is in favour of accelerating EU-U.S. trade negotiations and is proactively seeking a structured, rules-based framework to stabilise transatlantic trade tensions. This position was reinforced by the statements from France, Germany, and Italy, showing a unified approach from the EU.
However, just hours after the Summit, U.S. President Trump publicly criticised the EU for failing to present a favourable trade offer, stating: “We’re talking, but I don’t feel that they’re offering a fair deal yet.” Additionally, Trump’s early departure from the Summit showcases the U.S. President’s unpredictability in light of escalating global tensions. The U.S. remains an unstable negotiating partner, with a stable agreement being far from assured.
The ongoing EU-U.S. trade discussions are reaching a pivotal point, with the 9 July tariff pause deadline soon approaching. It is expected that a short-term temporary compromise will be reached to allow more time for discussions. With Member States needing to agree on the final deal, EU unity in the negotiations is essential.
