Bari, Italy – Leaders of the world's advanced economies are gathering for the annual G7 Summit in Italy amidst conflicts in Europe and the Middle East and intensifying competition between the West and China.

The summit, convening in the scenic Apulia region along the Adriatic Sea, will see discussions on pressing global issues by what is often referred to as a “like-minded” and Western-centric elite club.

This will be the 50th G7 Summit, scheduled from June 13 to 15, at the luxurious Borgo Egnazia resort.

Who’s attending?

The G7 member countries include the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, and Britain, whose leaders will be present. Additionally, the heads of the European Council and the European Commission will attend.

The host country can invite other leaders for extended sessions. Italy has extended invitations to various global leaders, including Pope Francis, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, and leaders from Ukraine, India, Brazil, Argentina, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Algeria, Tunisia, and Mauritania.

Also attending are the UN Secretary-General and heads of the World Bank, the IMF, the African Development Bank, and the OECD.

Key agenda topics

• On June 13, sessions will begin at 11am (09:00 GMT) focusing on Africa, climate change, and development.
• Subsequent discussions will include the Middle East, with a likely focus on Israel’s actions in Gaza.
• A lunch break will feature local cuisine, such as Apulia’s renowned le orecchiette pasta, after which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will join for sessions on Ukraine.
• June 14 will cover migration patterns, the Asia Pacific, and economic security, as well as artificial intelligence, energy, and Mediterranean issues. The day will conclude with the adoption of the G7 Summit Communique.
• On June 15, Italy will hold a final press conference.

Key issues to watch

• G7 and EU countries might announce a $50 billion loan for Ukraine, backed by profits from seized Russian assets. This would signal strong support for Kyiv.
• There is no expectation of harsh criticism against Israel’s actions in Gaza. The G7 will likely support US President Joe Biden’s three-phase ceasefire initiative, recently approved by the UN Security Council.
• Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni might promote the Mattei Plan, aiming to position Italy as a significant energy link between Europe and Africa, encouraging growth in Africa and reducing migration to Europe.
• China’s industrial overcapacity will also be under discussion. A source reported that the US is advocating for concern over this issue to be included in the summit's final statement.

Beyond discussions

Though the G7 Summit covers significant topics, it remains an informal discussion platform where leaders address major global and financial issues to produce a final joint statement. This document outlines their future policy direction and offers insights into their priorities.

The G7's influence has diminished as global economic power has shifted towards Asia and emerging economies. In the 1970s, G7 economies represented about 70 percent of global GDP. However, following the 2008 financial crisis and the rise of new groupings like the G20 and the expanded BRICS, the G7’s role has evolved into representing like-minded industrialized nations.

This is the first G7 Summit since BRICS expanded last year, reflecting growing discontent with Western policies in the Global South.

“A diplomatic success for Italy would be demonstrating a united G7 stance against geopolitical threats from Russia and China,” said Tristen Naylor, an international relations fellow at the London School of Economics.

“The aim is also to show genuine engagement beyond mere lip service,” he added.