European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said G7 leaders are meeting amid what she described as “geopolitical fragmentation, economic reconfiguration and rapid technological change”, warning of mounting pressure on the global system.
She said one of the summit’s core priorities is addressing “global economic imbalances and overcapacities”, arguing these trends are increasingly destabilising international markets. von der Leyen highlighted what she called a “record €360 billion EU trade deficit with China in 2025”, noting it was the first year all EU member states recorded deficits.
Turning to global crises, she welcomed the US–Iran agreement but stressed “the priority now is implementation”, calling for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen and for freedom of navigation to be restored. She added there can be “no lasting peace while Lebanon remains in flames”, urging a ceasefire and respect for sovereignty.
On Ukraine, she said Russia’s war of aggression has now lasted longer than the First World War, while reaffirming European support through a €90 billion loan package and €75 million in new grants. She said Ukraine is “holding the front line”, while Russia’s war economy is weakening under sanctions.
von der Leyen also addressed AI governance, calling for G7 coordination on safety standards, including pre-market testing of frontier models, alongside stronger industrial adoption. She warned that while AI brings “impressive advances”, it also multiplies systemic risks.
Overall, von der Leyen framed the summit as a response to intersecting global pressures — economic fragmentation, supply chain insecurity, geopolitical conflict, and emerging technological risks — calling for coordinated G7 action to stabilise trade systems, manage crises in Ukraine and the Middle East, govern AI responsibly, and strengthen protections in the digital environment.
ℹ️ EC AV Portal
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