Iran-Israel conflict, Ukraine war, and global instability dominate the agenda. Ursula von der Leyen warns against nuclear threats, while Trump proposes Putin as mediator — raising eyebrows among G7 leaders.
While the scenic Canadian Rockies offer the perfect backdrop for diplomatic handshakes and smiling photos, the 2025 G7 Summit risks being remembered more for symbolic gestures than for tangible solutions. With the Middle East on the brink and the war in Ukraine far from resolution, world leaders face growing criticism for failing to present a united front.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a stark warning:
“Iran is the principal source of regional instability. We have always been very clear — Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons.”
Her remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump — attending his first G7 summit of his second term — stunned attendees by suggesting Vladimir Putin could serve as a mediator in the Iran-Israel conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron quickly dismissed the idea as unrealistic and dangerous.
Ukraine remains a major fault line.
European leaders are pressing Trump to support tougher sanctions against Moscow, but his unpredictable stance continues to strain transatlantic relations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, invited as a special guest, is expected to face a chilly reception from the American president, with whom he shares a complex and strained history.
Analyst Max Bergmann of CSIS summed up the atmosphere:
“These summits are no longer about real policy breakthroughs. If all we get is a nice group photo, many participants — excluding the U.S. — will still call it a success.”
The European Union expressed deep concern about the energy market implications of escalating regional conflicts, noting that global economic stability remains fragile. Leaders also discussed inflation, wildfires, and climate change, but with limited consensus or clear action plans.