President Juncker at the G7 Summit in Taormina
President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker i and President of the European Council, Donald Tusk i, represented the European Union at this year's G7 i summit on 26-27 May. The Summit was hosted by Italy which holds the rotating G7 presidency for 2017.
Countering terrorism and violent extremism remains a major priority for the G7. In a clear sign of solidarity, G7 leaders signed a statement on the fight against terrorism and violent extremism - a tangible sign of their will to stand united against terrorism in the aftermath of the attacks in Manchester and Egypt. President Juncker used the Summit to underline the EU's continued commitment to defending our shared values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights and to promoting these values in Europe and around the world.
Discussions over the two days of the Summit focused on a wide range of issues, including the safety and security of our citizens, trade, the global economy, climate change and foreign affairs - all of which are at the forefront of the EU's agenda.
G7 Leaders agreed that technological change and globalisation have made a fundamental contribution to raising living standards across the world over recent decades, but that the benefits have not been shared widely enough, contributing to inequalities in many countries. This is also reflected in the Commission's Reflection Paper on Harnessing Globalisation. In this context, President Juncker made the case for working together in a rules-based system to promote not only free but also fair trade. In the final communiqué, leaders reiterated their "commitment to keep our markets open and to fight protectionism".
In the margins of the summit, the President met with Japanese Prime Minister Abe to discuss the next steps in the EU's negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with Japan. "We aim to reach an agreement as soon as possible and in any case before the end of 2017. In the current international environment an ambitious EU-Japan deal would send a powerful signal to the rest of the world that two of the largest economies are resisting protectionism," President Juncker said.
Leaders also discussed the importance of global action to tackle climate change. While the US is in the process of reviewing its policies on climate change, Presidents Juncker and Tusk and the leaders of the G6 reaffirmed their strong commitment to swiftly implement the Paris Agreement. They reiterated that it is not just good for the climate but that it presents opportunities for business and can be harnessed to boost economic growth and job creation.
On migration, leaders renewed their commitment to work together to manage migration flows, also through stronger international cooperation.
The EU is a full member of the G7 (and the G20). The G7 summit is a forum that plays an important role in shaping global responses to global challenges, complementing the global economic coordination carried out by the G20.
Related links
G7 Taormina Leaders’ Communiqué (27 May 2017)
G7 Taormina Statement on the fight against terrorism and violent extremism (26 May 2017)
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