The key takeaways of G7 Summit in Canada

This article is brought to you in association with the European Council.

Main results

President Donald Tusk represented the EU at the G7 summit with President Jean-Claude Juncker. G7 leaders committed to fight trade protectionism and to reform the World Trade Organisation. They urged Russia to end its actions undermining democracies and its support of the Syrian regime. They also called for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and of Iran. G7 leaders vowed to work together to achieve inclusive growth and gender equality. The EU reaffirmed its strong commitment to implement the Paris climate agreement, along with France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the UK. Leaders of the G7 countries adopted a final communique at the end of the summit:

• The Charlevoix G7 summit communique, 9 June 2018

President Tusk stressed the unity of the G7 group at the press conference before the meeting:

“Even in difficult times like these, and despite all the differences, there is still much more that unites us, than divides us. It is far too early for our adversaries and enemies to celebrate. On most fronts, the G7 continues to push in the same direction.” President Tusk at the press conference before the G7 summit, 8 June 2018

• Remarks by President Donald Tusk before the G7 summit in Charlevoix, Canada, 8 June 2018

Economy and trade

G7 leaders vowed to fight protectionism and to reduce tariff barriers, non-tariff barriers and subsidies. They also committed to modernise the World Trade Organisation and to preserve the rules-based international trading system. G7 leaders stressed the urgent need to avoid excess capacity in sectors such as aluminum and high technology. They will continue to fight tax evasion and avoidance by promoting the global implementation of international standards and addressing base erosion and profit shifting. Inclusive growth was also the leaders’ agenda. They agreed to work together to ensure that economic growth benefits everyone and in particular those most at risk of being left behind. They reaffirmed their commitment to eradicate poverty and inequalities, advance gender equality, and create decent work and quality of life for all.

Security and foreign policy

G7 leaders committed to defend democracies from foreign threats seeking to undermine their societies, elections, sovereignty and security. They urged Russia to end its destabilizing behaviour to undermine democratic systems and its support of the Syrian regime. They condemned the Salisbury attack of March 2018 and agreed with the UK’s assessment that it is highly likely that Russia was responsible. G7 leaders reaffirmed their commitment to eradicate Daesh and its hateful ideology. They condemned the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime and by Daesh. Regarding Iran, leader said that the country must respect its international obligations and commitments to never seek, develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. G7 leaders also called for the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

Gender equality and women’s empowerment

Leaders of the G7 countries discussed how to remove barriers to women’s participation in social, economic and political spheres. They stressed the value of education for girls and women to achieve gender equality in particular in developing countries. The EU along with Canada, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the World Bank agree to invest close to €2.5 billion to improve access to quality education for girls and women worldwide.

• Canada and partners announce historic investment in education for women and girls in crisis and conflict situation (press release, 8 June 2018)

Leaders are also committed to end sexual and gender-based violence, abuse and harassment online.

Environmental protection

The EU reaffirmed its strong commitment to implement the Paris climate agreement, along with France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the UK. G7 leaders discussed concrete actions with outreach partners to preserve oceans and to fight the threat of plastic waste.