The press periodically publishes articles about meetings and decisions taken by the G8. But everyone knows what is hidden under this phrase and what role this club plays in world politics. How and why the G8 was formed, who is in it and what is discussed at the summits - this will be discussed in this article.
History
In the early 1970s, the world economy faced a structural economic crisis and at the same time relations between Western Europe, the US and Japan began to deteriorate. To resolve economic and financial issues, it was proposed to hold meetings of leaders of the most industrially developed countries. This idea arose at a meeting of the first persons of the governments and states of Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, the USA and Japan, which took place from November 15 to 17, 1975 in Rambouillet (France).
The initiator of this meeting was the French President Giscard d'Estaing, and which meetings were decidedbe carried out annually. In 1976, this informal association accepted Canada into its ranks and turned from the "six" into the "seven". And 15 years later, Russia joined the G7 and the now known "Big Eight" turned out. This term in Russian journalism appeared as a result of incorrect interpretation of the abbreviation G7 by journalists: in fact, it did not mean "Great Seven" ("Big Seven"), "Group of Seven" ("Group of Seven"). Nevertheless, the name stuck and no one calls this club differently.
Status
G8 is a kind of informal forum of leaders of these countries, which takes place with the participation of members of the European Commission. It is not an international organization and does not have a charter or secretariat. Its creation, functions or powers are not fixed in any international treaty. It is rather a discussion platform, pool or club where consensus is reached on the most important issues. The decisions taken by the G8 are not binding - as a rule, they are only a fixation of the participants' intentions to adhere to a developed and agreed line, or they are recommendations to other participants in the political arena. As for the issues discussed, they mainly concern he alth, employment, law enforcement, social and economic development, environment, energy, international relations, trade and counter-terrorism.
How and how often do meetings take place?
G8 Summittraditionally held annually. As a rule, this happens in the summer. In addition to the official leaders of countries and heads of government, the President of the European Commission and the head of the country that currently holds the EU presidency also take part in these meetings. The venue of the next summit is planned in one of the participating countries. The 2012 G8 met at Camp David (USA, Maryland), and this year's 2013 meeting is scheduled for June 17-18 at the Loch Erne Golf Resort in Northern Ireland. In exceptional cases, the G20 gathers instead of the G8: the meeting is held with the participation of Spain, Brazil, India, South Africa, South Korea and a number of other countries.
