The press occasionally publishes articles about the meetings and the decisions taken by the "Big Eight".But everyone knows what lies beneath this phrase and what role the club plays in world politics.How and why was formed G8, who they are and what is being discussed at the summits - this will be discussed in this article.
history
In the early 70s the world economy is faced with a structural economic crisis and at the same time began to worsen relations between Western Europe, the US and Japan.To address economic and financial issues it was proposed to hold the meeting leaders of the most industrialized countries in the plan.This idea emerged at a meeting of top officials of state and government of Germany, France, UK, Italy, US and Japan, which took place from 15 to 17 November 1975 in Rambouillet (France).The initiator of the meeting was the French president Giscard d'Estaing, and what the meeting decided to continue to be held annually.In 1976, an informal network took into its ranks Canada and turned from "six" in the "seven".And after 15 years of the G7 included Russia and gained fame now the "Big Eight".This term in Russian journalism was the result of an incorrect decoding journalists abbreviations G7: it actually means not «Great Seven» («Big Seven»), «Group of Seven» («the Group of Seven").However, the name stuck, and in another the club, no one calls.
status
G8 is a kind of an informal forum for the leaders of these countries, which is held with the participation of members of the European Commission.It is not an international organization, has no charter and the secretariat.Its creation, functions or powers are not fixed in any international treaty.It's more of a discussion platform, pool or club in which to reach consensus on the most important issues.Decisions taken by the "Big Eight" are not binding - as a rule, they are only fixation of the intentions of participants and adhere to agreed lines produced or are recommended by other participants in the political arena.With regard to the issues under discussion, it was mostly they relate to health, employment, law enforcement, economic and social development, environment, energy, international relations, trade and the fight against terrorism.
How and how often meetings take place?
summit "Big Eight" according to tradition held annually.This generally occurs in summer.In addition to formal leaders and heads of governments in these meetings also involved the European Commission president and the head of the country, which at the moment holds the EU presidency.Venue of the next summit is planned in one of the participating countries."Big Eight" in 2012 met at Camp David (USA, Maryland), and this year, 2013 meeting scheduled on June 17-18 at the golf resort Lough Erne, located in Northern Ireland.In exceptional cases, instead of the G8 is going to "Big Twenty": a meeting is held with the participation of Spain, Brazil, India, South Africa, South Korea and other countries.
