G-8: A quick Glance

G-8

GROUP OF EIGHT COUNTRIES

ESTABLISHED DATE: November 1975 at Rambouillet, France

STARTING MEMBERS: The initial meeting at france took place between 6 countries, sometimes called G6.

· France

· Germany

· United States

· Italy

· Japan

· Britain

OTHER MEMBERS:

· Canada joined during San Juan summit in Puerto Rica in 1976.

· European community joined during London summit, Britain, 1977. (can represent but cannot host G-8 summits or chair it.)

· European Union is represented by Eurpoean commission President and President of European council.

"THIS GROUP IS CALLED G-7 AND HOST SUMMITS."

· Russia participated initially in G-7 from 1991 then from Naples summit, Italy in 1994 Russia participated in all summits. (This group refered to as "POLITICAL-8" or P-8)

· During Denver summit, USA of these countries (G-7 + Russia) marked full particiaption of Russia in all but Financial and Economic discussions.

· 1998, Birmingham summit UK, marked full Russia participation and G-8 (Group of 8) was born.

· Kananaskis summit in Canada-2002, annonced Russia would host the 2006 summit of G-8 in 2006. Hence Russia becoming full member.

MAIN FOCUS:

· MacroEconomic management.

· International Trade.

· Relationship with Developing countries.

· East west economic relations.

· Energy.

· Terrorism.

· Money Laundering.

· Nuclear Safety.

· Organized Crime.

WORK FUNCTIONS:

· Sherpas-Leaders representative meet regulary to chek the progress and agenda discussions.

· Ministerial meetings throughout the year, such as of Finance, Foreign, Environment etc Ministers.

SUMMIT HOST ORDER: (Rotates in order)

· France

· United States

· United Kingdom

· Russia

· Germany

· Japan

· Italy

· Canada