von der Leyen’s G7 Agenda At a joint press conference ahead of the 2025 G7 Summit in Kananaskis, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined key priorities for Europe amid a challenging global landscape. Reflecting on a world marked by war, economic volatility, and geopolitical tension, von der Leyen called for coordinated action among the G7’s democratic, industrial powers.
Prioritizing Economic Stability and Fair Trade Von der Leyen emphasized the volatility of the global economy, urging the G7 to restore stability and predictability. She highlighted the negative impact of trade tensions, such as tariffs, which act like taxes on families and businesses across borders. This reflects an orientation toward preserving open, fair trade while avoiding protectionism among G7 members, implying an intent to maintain or slightly reinforce existing EU trade openness rather than retreat into national protectionism.
Responding to Economic Security Risks Addressing aggressive trade practices from non-market economies, von der Leyen proposed diversifying and strengthening supply chains for raw materials, and targeting distortions in sectors like steel and pharmaceuticals. While she did not specify concrete new policies or budget targets, the call for ‘‘closer cooperation on critical minerals’’ and tackling ‘‘non-market policies’’ suggests EU advocacy for tighter regulation and stronger collective action against economic dependencies. This implies an increase in EU-level coordination on economic security issues, challenging the globalism model without guardrails.
Geopolitical Pressure on Russia and Support for Ukraine Von der Leyen detailed ongoing EU and G7 sanctions against Russia, reporting an 80% drop in Russian oil and gas revenues since the war’s start. She announced plans for an 18th sanctions package and urged coordinated G7 support for Ukraine beyond 2026, with nearly EUR 150 billion mobilized so far by the EU and members. This signals a continuation and likely strengthening of punitive measures and financial support, enhancing EU and G7 collective foreign policy strength.
Middle East Stability and Broader Security Linkages Her statement underscored Europe's commitment to peace in the Middle East, supporting Israel’s right to self-defense while pursuing a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The call for coordination to safeguard energy markets and addressing emerging drone and missile threats drawing connections between conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East reflect a strategic broadening of EU security focus.
Stakeholder Impacts and Policy Directions EU producers in critical minerals, steel, and pharmaceuticals face expectations of more coordinated regulation to counteract non-market competition, potentially increasing compliance costs. EU consumers and businesses benefit from efforts to maintain open trade relations and avoid protectionist triggers, which may keep prices more stable. National authorities must boost economic security collaboration, enhancing EU institutional coordination. Lastly, EU taxpayers indirectly support Ukraine financially as long-term aid plans extend.
Overall, von der Leyen’s address reveals a policy trajectory focused on amplifying EU and G7 cooperation across economic, geopolitical, and security domains, with increased institutional engagement and multilateralism. While concrete new institutional structures or numerical targets remain unspecified, the push against economic coercion and sustained sanctions, coupled with broad security coordination, represent a strategic strengthening of EU geopolitical and economic roles within the G7 framework.
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