G7 Leaders Skip Joint Statement as 11% of Europeans Still View US as an Ally
Updated
Updated · inews · Jun 17
G7 Leaders Skip Joint Statement as 11% of Europeans Still View US as an Ally
3 articles · Updated · inews · Jun 17
Summary
No joint G7 statement is planned at the summit’s close, an unusual break that signals leaders could not align with the United States even on a shared text.
The split reflects wider disputes over major issues, with the report pointing to Trump’s unilateral Iran action, pressure on allies and reduced attention to Ukraine.
Just 11% of Europeans now regard the United States as an ally, according to a European Council on Foreign Relations survey cited in the report, while majorities doubt Washington would defend them.
All six other G7 members — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the UK — are increasing military spending and seeking greater self-reliance, in some cases shifting away from US weapons.
As US guarantees fade, can a divided Europe forge a unified military to defend itself against rising threats?
The US-Iran deal eased the oil crisis, but did it shatter the alliances that underpin global stability?
G7 Summit 2026: Transatlantic Disunity, Declining US Trust, and Europe’s Push for Strategic Autonomy
Overview
The 2026 G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains highlighted deep divisions among its members, especially over the United States' role in global affairs. President Donald Trump's isolationist stance on the war in Ukraine, declaring it 'not America’s fight,' sharply contrasted with European leaders who are directly affected by the conflict. This disagreement exposed a fundamental split on collective security and the responsibilities of the transatlantic alliance. The summit was marked by strained personal relationships and policy differences, casting doubt on the G7's ability to respond effectively to global crises and underscoring a period of weakened unity among major powers.