G7 : acting together
We live in a world of interdependence and exchange. The challenges we face every day, whether economic, environmental, or security-related, are also experienced by millions of people around the globe. No country can respond to them alone : it is by working together in a coordinated manner that we will find sustainable solutions. The G7 was born out of this idea in 1975, when the first oil crisis revealed the need for greater international economic cooperation. Today, major global imbalances, whether commercial, financial, or environmental, require more than ever constant dialogue and coordination between nations. Each year, the G7 countries meet to work together on major issues such as peace and security, economic prosperity and sustainability, development, environmental transition, and new technologies.
Who are the 7 ?
The “Group of 7” or G7 is made up of Germany, Canada, the United States, France, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The European Union has also been fully involved in the work of the G7 since 1977. Its distinctive feature is that it has no legal status, no permanent secretariat, and no ex officio members. The only rule is that each year, the presidency is held by one of the seven states, which provides the necessary resources for the group's work and sets the political agenda. This is known as a rotating presidency. Its strength lies in its small size and the relationship of trust that has been built up over the years, which allows heads of state and government to speak freely and directly, even when they disagree.
G7/G20 : what is the connection ?
Their names are similar, as are their operating methods. Since the 2008 financial crisis, the G20 Summit has brought together 19 heads of state and government every year : South Africa, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, South Korea, the United States, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Russia, Turkey, and the European Union.
The United States will hold the presidency of the G20. Since 2024, the African Union has also had a permanent seat at the G20 : France was one of the countries behind this decision. The G20 was created in 1999, on the sidelines of the G7 summit, initially as a meeting of finance ministers, with the aim of working on common solutions to prevent a repeat of the financial crises seen in the 1990s. The group's meetings were elevated to the level of heads of state and government in the wake of the economic and financial crisis of 2008. The following year, the G20 was designated the “leading forum for international economic cooperation.” Together, the G20 countries now account for 85% of global economic output and two-thirds of the world's population. This economic and demographic weight is crucial in responding effectively to systemic crises. The decisions taken at the G20 are therefore of real importance. Member states address a wide range of issues within this framework, such as global economic coordination, global challenges such as climate change and the fight against inequality, and international cooperation on key issues such as the fight against terrorism.
In 2026, the United States will hold the presidency of the G20.