From left: president of the European Council Charles Michel, German chancellor Olaf Scholz, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, French president Emmanuel Macron, Italy's PM Giorgia Meloni, US president Joe Biden, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, British PM Rishi Sunak and president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen
From left: president of the European Council Charles Michel, German chancellor Olaf Scholz, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, French president Emmanuel Macron, Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni, US president Joe Biden, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, British PM Rishi Sunak and president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen (Picture: AFP)

Russia’s bloodshed in Ukraine was the focus point at the G7 meeting in Italy’s southern Puglia region – for a third year running.

The annual summit between the leaders of the major democracies and its intricate workings may appear shrouded in a veil of elite diplomacy, but some of the most important geopolitical decisions are made there.

2024 marks the 50th G7 forum. The opening day was started with an outline deal to provide $50 billion of loans for Ukraine using interest from Russian sovereign assets frozen.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky attended the event, signing a new, long-term security accord with Joe Biden.

The leader also signed a 10-year security accord with Japan, underlining a strong backing from the West.

To demystify the exclusive group, Metro.co.uk has prepared a guide that answers all your questions in the coming days.

Here is everything you need to know.

What is the G7?

Giorgia Meloni shooting a selfie with the press
Giorgia Meloni shooting a selfie with the press before the arrival of US President Joe Bidenat the Borgo Egnazia resort for the G7 Summit (Picture: AFP)

The G7 is an organisation group of seven countries that are regarded as some of the world’s largest ‘advanced’ economies that are highly positioned in global trade and the international financial system.

It was set up in 1975 as an informal forum to bring together the leaders of the world’s leading industrial nations to discuss global economy, security, and energy, among other topics.

Since then, the meetings have evolved into platforms where agreements are made concerning the country members and their interaction with the rest of the world and global events.

However, it is worth noting that the meetings are seen as informal, and so the leaders’ declarations are not binding.

Which countries are in the G7, and who are their leaders?

TOPSHOT - From left : President of the European Council Charles Michel, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, attend a working session on Africa, Climate Change and Development at the Borgo Egnazia resort during the G7 Summit hosted by Italy in Apulia region, on June 13, 2024 in Savelletri. Leaders of the G7 wealthy nations gather in southern Italy this week against the backdrop of global and political turmoil, with boosting support for Ukraine top of the agenda. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP) (Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images)
From left: president of the European Council Charles Michel, German chancellor Olaf Scholz, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, French president Emmanuel Macron, Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni, US president Joe Biden, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, British PM Rishi Sunak, president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen (Picture: AFP)

The G7 members and their respective leaders are as follows:

  • UK – Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
  • USA – President Joe Biden
  • Japan – Prime Minister Fumio Kishida
  • Germany – Chancellor Olaf Scholz
  • France – President Emmanuel Macron
  • Italy – Prime Minister Giorgi Meloni
  • Canada – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

All countries were part of the original lineup when the group was formed in 1975, with the exception of Canada, which joined a year later.

The EU, though not an official member, has been involved in G7 work since 1977.

Russia joined in 1998 – making it the G8 – but was excluded in 2014 following its takeover of Crimea.

China has never been a member, despite its large economy and having the world’s biggest population.

This is because its relatively low level of wealth per person means its economy is not considered to be as advanced as G7 levels.

Where is it being held?

Every year a new member hosts the rest of the leaders, so the location where the summit is held changes. This year it is Italy’s turn.

Puglia was chosen for 2024 to send a message that the seven leading democracies want to ‘strengthen (their) dialogue with the nations of the global south.’

The Italian premier called the region of Puglia ‘historically a bridge between West and East,’ while the summit logo, a stylized depiction of an olive tree with roots and seven olives, depicts the collaboration of nations to tackle global challenges.

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