Group of Seven (G7) countries, Leaders to meet in Italy for a three-day summit to discuss global affairs.
Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) countries are meeting for a three-day summit to discuss global affairs in the southern region of Puglia (Apulia). The event is being held on Thursday in Borgo Egnazia, a luxurious resort surrounded by olive trees in the style of a mediaeval village and very much loved by celebrities including pop star Madonna. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the host of this year’s summit, will be welcoming the heads of state of the seven members – the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom – as well as the chiefs of the European Council and the European Commission.
Inclusion of Non-G7 Nations
Italy invites over 10 non-G7 countries for sideline discussions, expanding the summit’s global reach.
As the “like-minded” group tries to shake off its reputation of being a club just for the wealthy West, Italy has extended an invitation to more than 10 other countries for sideline discussions. These include UAE’s Mohamed bin Zayed, Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Notable absentees are Egypt and Saudi Arabia, who, according to a list seen by Al Jazeera, had been invited.
Political Timing and Meloni’s Leadership
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni presides over the summit amidst her rise in European politics.
The timing could not be better for Meloni, who will preside over the summit as Europe’s rising star following her far-right party’s victory at the recent European Parliament elections that saw a turn to the right across the continent. “I’m proud to be heading to the G7 with the strongest government of all,” the prime minister said on her way to Puglia.
Key Summit Agendas
Africa, the Mediterranean, and support for Ukraine are top priorities at the G7 summit.
Africa and the Mediterranean – two key national security issues – will feature prominently in the summit. Meloni is expected to expand her flagship foreign policy, the so-called Mattei Plan. The project aims to position Italy as a major energy hub between Europe and the African continent in the hope of boosting growth in Africa and, in turn, curbing immigration to Europe. Support for Ukraine is also top of the agenda. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to arrive on the summit’s first day for two sessions dedicated to the war-torn country.
Inclusion of Pope Francis
Pope Francis attends the G7 summit, marking a first for a pontiff, to discuss artificial intelligence.
Among the guests, there will also be Pope Francis – marking the first time a pontiff has been invited to the summit – for a session dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI). Other specific sessions will then be on migration, financial issues, and the situation in the Asia Pacific.
Final Statement and Future Policies
A final statement expected on Saturday will outline the G7’s future policy directions.
A final statement is expected on Saturday. This is usually a document that indicates the direction the group’s members intend to follow – crafting future policies while offering the rest of the world a window into their priorities. Italy is hosting the summit of the Group of Seven leading industrialised nations in the wake of the European Parliament election, which saw a surge in support for the far right in places like G7 members France and Germany.
Meloni’s Stance on Foreign Policy
Despite her far-right alignment, Meloni maintains a centrist foreign policy, ensuring strong transatlantic relations.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni also leads a far-right party but continues to hew to the centre, particularly on foreign policy, which has made her a reassuring transatlantic partner amid Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
G7 Summit’s Focus Areas
The G7 summit addresses global conflicts, AI, Africa, migration, climate change, and China.
The G7 summit through Saturday is focusing on global conflicts, the spread of artificial intelligence, and on Africa issues, particularly Italy’s longstanding concern about uncontrolled migration to Europe from the continent. Perennial issues such as climate change and China also will be discussed. The G7 is an informal forum with an annual summit to discuss economic policy and security issues. The members are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
