For one year, Germany has assumed the presidency of the group of leading democratic economies known as the G7. The highlight will be a summit at Elmau Castle in the Bavarian Alps hosted by Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) from 26 to 28 June 2022,
deutschland.de reports.
The thematic focus will be on climate protection, combating pandemics and strengthening international cooperation and democracies worldwide. "We will use our presidency to make this group of states a pioneer. A pioneer for a climate-neutral economy and a just world," Chancellor Scholz stated in his New Year's address. "International cooperation is important. In a world that will soon have ten billion inhabitants, our voice will only be heard if we act in chorus with many others."
In addition to Germany, the "Group of Seven" includes the USA, France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan and Canada.
On Saturday, France took over the rotating presidency of the European Union (EU) from Slovenia for six months and laid out plans for a more “sovereign and powerful Europe.” The motto of France’s EU presidency is “recovery, strength, belonging,”
Statecraft reports.
The Eiffel Tower and the Elysée Palace were lit up in the blue colour of Europe to commemorate the presidency. However, the installation of the European flag under the Arc de Triomphe triggered controversy, with far-right presidential candidates Marine Le Pen and Eric Zemmour saying that the French flag had been replaced by the European flag over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Secretary of State for European Affairs Clément Beaune slammed what he termed as vile allegations, saying, “The French flag will obviously be reinstalled.”
