The leaders of the G7, a group of the seven richest nations in the world, meet this Monday (15) in the city of Évian-les-Bains, France, amid a scenario of diplomatic tensions and distance between President Donald Trump and his European allies.
For analyst Lourival Sant’Anna, in CNN Prime TimeTrump’s record at the group’s summits imposes a very modest goal for other leaders: avoid embarrassment.
According to Sant’Anna, the G7 meetings in which Trump participates are historically tense. The analyst recalled a widely circulated photo in which several leaders looked at Trump angrily, while he also showed frustration. “Historically, meetings have been tense,” said the analyst.
Exactly one year ago, Trump left the summit early, one day before it ended, citing concerns about the . Then came Israeli bombings against Iran, in which the United States ended up getting involved to attack nuclear facilities. “Based on this experience, the bar is very low,” said Sant’Anna.
Given this context, Sant’Anna explained that the central objective of the leaders present is to prevent Trump from leaving the summit before the end or from attacking the other leaders, either during the event or on social media.
“That’s what the government is trying to avoid, it’s not bringing a big agreement, a big joint statement. No one expects that to happen,” said the analyst.
Strait of Hormuz could be a point of convergence
Despite the tense climate, the analyst identified a possible incentive for a more collaborative relationship in this edition of the summit. Trump had insisted that other powers help him confront Iran, but allies refused, arguing that the United States had not been attacked and therefore NATO Article 5 would not apply. The refusal would have left Trump “extremely angry.”
Now, with a deal reached with Iran, the United States needs help for the — and has just four minesweeper ships at its disposal.
In contrast, France has 17 vessels of the type, being the largest power in this fleet, while the United Kingdom has around eight. These countries have already signaled their willingness to collaborate after the end of the conflict, whether by escorting cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz or carrying out demining.
“This, without a doubt, is the main theme of this G7 summit”, concluded Sant’Anna, highlighting that the reopening of the strait for the flow of ships and cargo ships is the main expectation of the moment.
