G20 leaders met in Hamburg, Germany, on 7-8 July. European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker represented the EU at the summit. The theme of this year’s summit was ‘shaping an interconnected world‘.

Leaders adopted a declaration focusing on:

They also adopted an action plan to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation and tackle foreign terrorist fighters.

Regarding energy and climate, leaders took note of the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. The leaders of the other G20 members stated that the Paris Agreement is irreversible and they endorsed the G20 Hamburg climate and energy action plan for growth.

On the migration and refugee crisis, leaders agreed to step up coordination and act against people smugglers and traffickers. Addressing the root causes of migration and supporting countries of origin and transit are also priorities for the leaders.

“Migrant smuggling is an organised business. Last year it generated 1.6 billion dollars in Libya alone. These profits allow the smugglers to control some parts of the country. They also cooperate with terrorists and further undermine the stabilisation of Libya.”

Leaders stressed the need to better help people seize the opportunities and benefits of economic globalisation. They also discussed how to continue building an open and resilient financial system.

Leaders committed to increase international tax cooperation and financial transparency, as well as to address the issue of excess steel capacity.

Africa’s development remained a high priority for the G20. Leaders launched the G20 Africa partnership to boost growth and jobs in the continent. This includes the G20 initiative for rural youth employment which will contribute to creating 1.1 million new jobs by 2022.

Leaders stressed the importance of harnessing digitalisation to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth. Promoting digital literacy and skills is essential to better prepare people for the future of work.

Leaders also agreed to take further action to achieve gender equality. They stressed the role of digitalisation and ICT to support women’s empowerment.

In addition, leaders emphasised the value of international health cooperation, in particular to better combat antimicrobial resistance.

The 13th edition of the G20 summit will be hosted by Argentina in 2018.

EU priorities at the G20 leaders’ summit

The President of the European Council Donald Tusk and the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker presented the key issues for the summit in a joint letter sent to EU heads of state or government:

  • role of G20 in making the global economy work for all
  • open and fair rules-based multilateral trading system and resilient international monetary and financial system
  • economic benefits of climate action and the potential of the digital revolution
  • tax avoidance and  evasion
  • fight against terrorism and terrorist financing
  • shared responsibility for refugees and migrants, and partnering with Africa for investment, growth and jobs
  • Joint letter of Presidents Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker on the upcoming G20 summit

Background

The G20 brings together 19 countries plus the EU. G20 members account for over 80% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) and they host almost two-thirds of the world’s population.

The G20 summit was established in 2008 amidst the global financial crisis to increase international economic cooperation. Since then, G20 members have been meeting annually to discuss a wide range of issues related to economic and financial cooperation.

The EU as a G20 member

The European Union is a full member of the G20 alongside four of its member states: France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. In addition, Spain is a permanent invitee of the G20 and the Netherlands is a partner country.

The EU has its own seat at the G20 table as it is one of the largest global economic actor with specific competences in trade matters, economic policy, financial regulation, development, energy and climate change.