The Group of Seven (G-7) summit in Banff, Alberta, Canada

The Group of Seven (G-7) summit in Banff, Alberta, Canada, is expected to be dominated by discussions on the Middle East crisis and U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policies. The summit, starting on Sunday, June 14, 2025, comes in the wake of recent tensions between Israel and Iran, which have led to concerns about a potential wider conflict in the Middle East.

The summit is also likely to address the ongoing trade war initiated by Trump, which has affected relationships with both allies and adversaries. The G-7 members are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.

The summit's host, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, has decided against issuing a joint communique at the end of the meeting, indicating the potential for a fragmented discussion rather than a unified position on various issues.

Trump's unpredictable behavior and his history of using international meetings to make headlines have added an element of uncertainty to the summit. Despite his occasionally tense relationship with some of the leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump is likely to be the center of attention, especially regarding the trade disputes.

The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, is set to attend the summit, with the UK sending military reinforcements to the Middle East following the recent escalation. Starmer has emphasized the need for de-escalation in the region and has had discussions with both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the matter.

The presence of other leaders, such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, adds another layer to the summit's agenda, as the war in Ukraine remains a pressing concern for many G-7 members. Zelenskyy is expected to meet with Trump, following their tense Oval Office meeting earlier in the year.

The summit's format, which includes bilateral meetings, allows for a more personal approach to discussions, but it also raises the possibility of individual leaders pursuing their national interests rather than seeking a collective agreement. The lack of a joint statement at the summit's conclusion suggests that consensus may be difficult to achieve amidst the various conflicts and tensions present.