G7 summit in Canada: Trump and the future of democracy in the balance!

G7 summit in Canada: Trump and the future of democracy in the balance!

The G7 summit will take place in Kananaskis, Canada, from Monday. Heads of government from the leading democratic industrial nations take part. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has set modest goals for the event and no major joint conclusion or statement on Ukraine is expected. There are ongoing concerns that certain language could weigh on the mood at the summit, particularly with regard to US President Donald Trump, who is known for his erratic and often confrontational statements. Historian Anne Applebaum raises concerns about the impact Trump could have on democracy in the United States.

For the federal government, this summit is the second step after Friedrich Merz's successful visit to Washington. Keeping Trump happy on Ukraine could play an important role. Reduced expectations of a joint statement could mean that the G7 countries are trying to avoid sensitive issues. There is hope that Trump could sign a sanctions package against Russia. The G7 is also aiming to lower the price of oil to $45 per barrel in order to damage Russia economically, which the EU in particular hopes will put greater pressure on Russia in the Ukraine conflict.

Current conflicts and negotiations

Tensions between the US and Russia have increased in recent weeks. Trump threatened Russia with extensive sanctions and tariffs until a peace agreement is concluded with Ukraine. In a post on Truth Social, he called on both warring parties to begin negotiations immediately. However, it remains unclear whether Trump will actually follow through on his threats, as he has often threatened tariffs in the past but has not always implemented them.

Given the situation in Ukraine, Trump's attitude towards Russia has changed. After previously threatening Putin with sanctions over the Ukraine war, he has recently moved closer to Russia again. His criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he blamed for the conflict, caused consternation among Western partners. Trump abandoned a meeting with Zelensky aimed at a deal on access to rare earths in Ukraine as a public spat erupted.

Economic aspects and climate change

Economic issues will also be in focus at the upcoming summit. In addition to oil price talks, tariff negotiations are also underway between the G7 countries and the US, with Europe setting a July 9 deadline. Climate change is less discussed in this context; Instead, forest fires are coming to the fore. In addition, critical raw materials, migration and artificial intelligence are other topics on the agenda.

Emmanuel Macron, the French president, will travel to Canada via Greenland as a show of solidarity with Denmark. This comes at a time when Trump has also expressed interest in Greenland and is seeking US expansion.

The developments surrounding the G7 summit have a broader political context, while preparations for diplomatic challenges and the current situation in Ukraine require further action.

ZDF reports about the G7 summit, during Daily news information on Trump's policies and the current conflicts.