G7, the world in the balance: Middle East crisis, Ukraine and tariffs at the centre of the summit

The summit between the seven major powers opens in Kananaskis, Canada, while conflicts between Israel and Iran, Russia and Ukraine rage in the background. Tension also surrounds economic issues

In the mountains of Alberta, Canada, a G7 summit marked by unprecedented geopolitical tensions in recent years opens today, Sunday 15 June. The new Israeli offensive against nuclear sites in Iran and Tehran’s subsequent missile response risk opening a new front in the Middle East war. Meanwhile, the conflict in Ukraine continues with no prospect of a solution, while the United States is reviving the threat of tariffs, destabilising the global economic balance.

The leaders of the seven most influential countries on the planet find themselves in this complex scenario. Hosting the summit is Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, newly elected and making his debut at an international summit. Joining him, among others, are US President Donald Trump, the star of the show, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who will introduce one of the key sessions on the theme of “safe communities”.

An unprecedented global crisis

The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran is the hottest item on the agenda. Before leaving for Canada, Meloni held a video conference with ministers and national intelligence leaders, followed by telephone conversations with Trump, German Chancellor Merz and European Commission President von der Leyen. Also in contact with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman and the Emirates, the prime minister reiterated Italy’s willingness to contribute to any diplomatic mediation efforts, as it has done in the past for negotiations between the United States and Iran.

Meloni shared Benjamin Netanyahu’s firm stance on Iran’s nuclear programme, while hoping that American diplomatic action could still prevent escalation. She also renewed her call for humanitarian access to Gaza.

The seven priorities of the summit

No final joint statement is planned. Instead, seven thematic statements will be released: development, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, fires, strategic minerals, transnational crime and migrant trafficking. On the latter point, Italy has relaunched the G7 Coalition against Human Trafficking, supported by the United States and the United Kingdom, continuing the line drawn in 2024 with the Italian presidency of the G7 in Borgo Egnazia.

Ukraine and defence: balancing acts

Among the main topics is the conflict in Ukraine. Zelensky will participate in a session dedicated to support for Kiev, together with the new NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte. The Kananaskis summit will serve as a prelude to the Atlantic Alliance and European Council summits at the end of June.

On the military spending front, all NATO members agree on the need to increase investment. The target set by Trump and the Alliance is 5% of GDP, but Italy – according to Minister Tajani – could take at least ten years to reach that threshold.

Tariffs and trade tensions

The global economic balance remains unstable, partly due to the threat of new US tariffs, especially in the automotive sector. Trump is once again using tariffs as a means of pressure, raising concerns among allies. Italy insists on the need for dialogue: Meloni hopes for an agreement that strengthens transatlantic ties and guarantees mutual benefits.

With a busy agenda and a heated international scenario, the Kananaskis summit promises to be one of the most delicate in recent decades.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)