The European Union is against Russia rejoining the G7.
The EU "considers that the G7 format is a vital multilateral framework among countries guided by shared values, interests and commitments," the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, said Tuesday (2 June) during a virtual press conference on how the next EU budget will have an impact on foreign policy.
Moscow's participation in what was the G8 was "suspended until Russia changes course and the environment allows for the G8, again, [to] have a meaningful discussion and this is not currently the case," Borrell added.
The U.S. currently holds the presidency of the group of seven industrialized nations, which also includes Germany, France, Italy, the U.K, Canada and Japan. Russia was suspended in March 2014 after the annexation of Crimea. It joined the club in 1998.
U.S. President Donald Trump said at the weekend he would postpone the annual G7 summit until September and that he planned to invite four non-member nations, including Russia. The U.K. and Canada have already declared they opposed any potential readmission of Moscow.
The United States this year hold the presidency of the G7. In that capacity Trump can invite Russia to attend a summit in the US as a guest. To re-admit Russia as a full ember will require the agreement of the other member countries, namely Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Italy and the UK. The EU also attends meetings of the G7.
source: commonspace.eu with agencies
