"The Big Eight": what is the G8 and who is in it

The press periodically publishes articles about the meetings and decisions that the G8 takes. 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 enters it and what is discussed at the summits - this is what this article will be discussed in this article.

History

In the early 1970s, the global economy was confronted with a structural economic crisis, and at the same time, relations between Western Europe, the United States and Japan began to escalate. To solve economic and financial issues, it was suggested to hold meetings of the leaders of the most industrialized countries. This idea arose at a meeting of the leaders of the governments and states of the FRG, France, Britain, Italy, the USA and Japan, which took place from 15 to 17 November 1975 in Rambouillet (France). The initiator of this meeting was French President Giscard d'Estaing, and which meetings henceforth were decided to hold annually. In 1976, this informal association took Canada into its ranks and turned from the "six" into the "seven". And in 15 years the G7 included Russia and the famous "Big Eight" now turned out. This term in Russian journalism appeared as a result of an incorrect interpretation by journalists of the G7 abbreviation: in fact, it did not mean "Great Seven", "Group of Seven" ("group of seven"). Nevertheless, the name has got accustomed and in another way this club already nobody names.

Status

The G8 is a kind of informal forum for the leaders of the listed countries, which takes place with the participation of the members of the European Commission. It is not an international organization, does not have a charter and a secretariat. Its creation, functions or powers are not fixed in any international treaty. It is rather a discussion platform, a pool or a club in which consensus is reached on the most important issues. The decisions taken by the G8 are not mandatory for execution - as a rule, they are merely a fixation of the intentions of the participants to adhere to the agreed and coordinated line or they are recommendations to other participants in the political arena. With regard to the issues under discussion, they are mainly related to health, employment, compliance with laws, social and economic development, the environment, energy, international relations, trade and the fight against terrorism.

How and with what frequency of meetings occur?

The G-8 summit is held annually according to the established tradition. As a rule, this happens in the summer. In addition to the official leaders of the countries and heads of government, the chairman of the European Commission and the head of the country, which at that time presides in the EU, also take part in these meetings. The venue for the next summit is planned in one of the participating countries. The G8 of 2012 met at Camp David (USA, Maryland), and this year's 2013 meeting is scheduled for June 17-18 at the Loch Ern Golf Resort in Northern Ireland. In exceptional cases, instead of G8, the G20 is going to gather: the meeting is held with the participation of Spain, Brazil, India, South Africa, South Korea and several other countries.