G7 leaders already reached consensus on summit conclusions, Meloni says

3 months ago 11

G7 leaders have already agreed on the conclusions of their summit, which include matters like aid for Ukraine and the situation in Gaza, according to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, at the end of the first day of the meeting on Thursday.

“Tomorrow evening, we will approve the summit conclusions, which already have the consensus of the leaders,” said Meloni, stressing that achieving such a consensus on the first day was “an unexpected result that I am particularly proud of.”

“We have reached a political agreement to provide additional financial support to Ukraine, amounting to approximately $50 billion by the end of the year through a loan system,” Meloni stated.

However, she emphasised that “this is not a confiscation but rather profits that are maturing”.

There was also a convergence of ideas on Gaza.

“We confirm unanimous support for the United States’ proposal for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the support and protection of the civilian population. We have reiterated every effort to avoid escalation,” Meloni explained, adding that the solution remains “the prospect of two peoples and two states.”

Among the many topics discussed, Meloni did not address the issue of abortion, which has sparked significant controversy in Italy and threatened to overshadow the first day’s results of the G7.

According to Italian sources, the word “abortion” was removed from the final draft because it was considered implicit.

“Where someone proposed to go beyond, Italy explained that it would have preferred a balanced text that also addressed other issues, but given the late hour, it was decided to reaffirm the Hiroshima commitments.”

On the sidelines of the G7, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed regret that the word “abortion” is missing from the final G7 text.

“You know France’s position, which has enshrined the right to abortion in its Constitution,” Macron said, adding that “this is not the same sensitivity that exists in your country (Italy)”.

“I’m sorry, but I respect it because it was the sovereign choice of your people,” Macron concluded.

(Alessia Peretti | Euractiv.it)