Ukraine set to dominate G7 summit in Brussels
- 10 years ago
The two day G7 summit is underway in Brussels with the ongoing crisis in Ukraine set to be the main issue discussed.
US President Barack Obama , who earlier in the day stressed his support for Ukraine during a speech in Warsaw, was greeted by the President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso and the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy.
Apart from the situation in Ukraine and relations with Russia the leaders of the other six nations taking part in the talks; Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Canada and Japan are expected to address issues related to trade, energy security, climate change and development.
It’s the first time that a G7 meeting has been hosted by the European Union.
Originally a G8 summit was scheduled to take place in the Russian city of Sochi but following the annexation of Crimea a decision was taken to sideline Moscow and move it to Brussels.
James Franey, euronews’ correspondent in Brussels, says that for all the talk about Moscow’s isolation, President Putin still has a full diary over the coming days. He will meet three of the G7 leaders during his visit to Europe, he is set to hold talks with British Prime Minister David Cameron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. He will also dine with French President François Hollande at the Elysée. He adds that it may lead some to question whether kicking Russia out of the G8 club was nothing more than symbolic.
US President Barack Obama , who earlier in the day stressed his support for Ukraine during a speech in Warsaw, was greeted by the President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso and the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy.
Apart from the situation in Ukraine and relations with Russia the leaders of the other six nations taking part in the talks; Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Canada and Japan are expected to address issues related to trade, energy security, climate change and development.
It’s the first time that a G7 meeting has been hosted by the European Union.
Originally a G8 summit was scheduled to take place in the Russian city of Sochi but following the annexation of Crimea a decision was taken to sideline Moscow and move it to Brussels.
James Franey, euronews’ correspondent in Brussels, says that for all the talk about Moscow’s isolation, President Putin still has a full diary over the coming days. He will meet three of the G7 leaders during his visit to Europe, he is set to hold talks with British Prime Minister David Cameron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. He will also dine with French President François Hollande at the Elysée. He adds that it may lead some to question whether kicking Russia out of the G8 club was nothing more than symbolic.