Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, was in Evian earlier this week to participate in the G7 leaders' meeting. Leaders had a packed agenda, discussing how to address the structural challenges of the global economy, specifically global imbalances and overcapacities, but also the crises currently affecting the world such as the conflict in the Middle East or the war in Ukraine. In President von der Leyen's words, the summit focused on two main strands of work: "The first is external. We'll keep weaving a tighter network of trusted partnerships, expand preferential trade links, and diversify our sources of critical raw materials. The second starts at home. We need to strengthen our own resilience, in manufacturing, technology, energy and defence." A renewed sense of unity emanated from the Summit, with leaders reaching conclusions on both geopolitics and macro-imbalances.
Addressing global economic imbalances in a united and coordinated manner
A key topic of this year's G7 was global economic imbalances. The President of the Commission highlighted how those dynamics are increasingly dangerous for the stability of the global economy. She pointed out that 2025 was the first year in which all EU Member States had a trade deficit with China; the European Union as a whole recorded its largest-ever trade deficit, at €360 billion. She emphasised Europe's longstanding strategy in the face of this issue: de-risk rather than decouple and detailed three main lines of action: first, "building domestic capacity"; second, "weaving our worldwide net of free trade agreements to diversify our supply chains"; and finally, "protecting our market from unfair practices." Expanding on the latter, President von der Leyen said: "Over the last years, we have developed and deployed our toolbox from safeguards to anti-subsidy measures to address unfair competition and even cases of coercion." The President of the Commission also underlined how unity and coordination among G7 partners is paramount on the topic. In light of this need for unity, President von der Leyen laid out that G7 partners are working on a critical raw material agreement.
Facing ongoing conflicts in the world
President von der Leyen also addressed the ongoing crises in the Middle East. She welcomed the agreement between the United States and Iran while insisting on the importance to now implement the deal and restore freedom of navigation within the Strait of Hormuz. Further, she underscored the need for a genuine ceasefire to be implemented in Lebanon, and said: "There can be no lasting peace while Lebanon remains in flames. We call for a genuine ceasefire and the full respect for Lebanon's sovereignty." Following up on the conflict in the Middle East, President von der Leyen once again reiterated the need for Europe to reduce its energy dependencies.
Ukraine was also one of the main topics addressed at the Summit, and leaders welcomed President Zelenskyy to further discuss how to better support Ukraine in the face of Russia's war of aggression. The war of aggression has now lasted longer than World War I, but Europe has kept up its unwavering support. The President of the European Commission highlighted: "Our EUR 90 billion loan package covers two-thirds of Ukraine's financing needs for this year and for the next year. The first disbursements will come still this month. (…) We are also preparing for the next winter together with Ukraine. Together with Canada, we are leading the preparedness work." The President pointed out Ukraine's efforts and victories in the war, sharing: "Ukraine is holding the frontline and even partially regaining territory. Ukraine has developed the capability to strike strategic targets deep inside Russia. And Ukraine has become a world-leading producer of cutting-edge military equipment." She also welcomed that Ukraine is being brought closer to the EU with the opening of the first cluster of EU accession negotiations. In parallel, President von der Leyen pointed out that "Russia is feeling the strain and pressure. Our sanctions are biting and cutting deep. Putin's war economy has never been as weak."
Tackling the challenges brought by AI and the protection of children online
Lastly, President von der Leyen addressed the challenges brought by AI and the need to protect children online. On AI, she encouraged progress while insisting on the need to introduce new models safely and cooperate among G7 partners. She stressed: "Cooperation of G7 countries is paramount. We should exchange information and ensure cooperation of independent entities that are evaluating models before their market release." Insisting on coordination and cooperation, she further declared: "We want our own AI future, not in isolation – that is very important – but together with our trusted partners."
The President also touched on a topic close to her heart, the protection of children online. She stressed the importance for children to have enough protection to grow and mature safely. She reframed the debate in those terms: "The debate is not whether young people should have access to social media, the debate is whether social media should have access to our children and teenagers, and when." Further, the President highlighted the responsibility of tech companies, saying: "There is also a vast responsibility of the tech companies. In Europe, platforms must prove that they are safe by design, and this principle is especially important for our children and teenagers."
A forum conducive to bilateral discussions
In the margins of the Summit, President von der Leyen held numerous bilateral talks with G7 leaders and partners. She congratulated President Trump for the agreement between the United States and Iran, and met with President Zelenskyy, exchanging on the opening of the first accession cluster and the disbursement of the €90 billion Ukraine Support loan. Following a bilateral with Prime Minister Starmer, she announced the upcoming EU-UK Summit on 22 July.
Throughout the two-day Summit, she also held discussions on the latest developments in the Middle East during bilateral meetings with Emirati President Zayed Al Nahyan and Egyptian President El-Sisi. In her meeting with President Ruto, the President exchanged on the results of the Economic Partnership Agreement signed two years ago and on Global Gateway.
Finally, she met with Prime Minister Modi and President Lula and exchanged on the follow-ups to the trade deals signed at the beginning of the year with both India and Mercosur.
