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Laura Sunderland
Senior Researcher, G8 Research Group
October 19, 2006
• African Development
• Global Economic Imbalances and the World Economy
• Environment and Climate Change
• Energy and Raw Materials
• World Trade and Intellectual Property Rights
• Middle East
• Outreach
• Notes
Government spokesperson Ulrich Wilhelm announced that the theme of the German summit will be "Growth and Responsibility."[1] He stated that the priority themes are African development and the globalized economy.[2] On October 18, 2006, German officials stated that Merkel's original summit plan was to focus on intellectual property protection, energy and global trade imbalances, but Merkel decided to expand the agenda to include development and climate change.[3]
On October 18, 2006, German government officials stated that African participants will attend the summit (although which countries will attend has yet to be determined) and that the discussion will include assistance for public health, the fight against HIV/AIDS, ensuring good governance, fighting corruption, and encouraging growth and investment in Africa.[4]
On October 18, 2006, German government officials stated that the discussion of the African development will include establishing a partnership with Africa, providing resource to fight HIV/AIDS, granting special advantages to democratic countries in Africa, encouraging private investment, reducing violence and corruption, and giving Africa back its ability to govern its own resources.[5]
On October 18, 2006, a spokesperson for the German Treasury stated that the priority issues of the German presidency are Africa and climate change.[6] In the context of Africa, Germany is expected to propose that each G8 country should sign a partnership agreement with an African country,[7] with preference given to those countries that are undertaking political reform and are seeking to attract foreign investment.[8] The Africa agenda will focus on economic growth, governance, energy and the environment.[9] Other sources suggest that the African agenda will include a discussion on development, HIV/AIDS and poverty.[10]
Regarding the New Partnership with Africa, German officials told journalists that "The basic argument is that we need a new and stable framework for investment in Africa." Africa countries that are pursuing good governance, fighting corruption and using raw materials responsibly will be rewarded with partnership agreements and business deals.[11]
On October 18, 2006, the German cabinet discussed a 17-page proposed agenda for the summit, produced by German sherpa Bernd Pfaffenbach.[12] The document outlined Germany's plan to have each G8 member sign a partnership agreement with an Africa country that "that [is] willing to enter reform partnerships to be especially supported," with preference given to democratic states that are investor-friendly.[13]
As of October 17, the second part of the draft agenda has four chapters: "durable economic growth for the development of Africa," "good public governance," "peace and security as conditions for development," and "the fight against HIV and Aids."[14]
On October 15, 2006, Ulrich Schäfer of Suddeautshe Zeitung reported that according to the confidential program for the summit, Merkel will focus on African countries that advance social and political reforms and open their country for private investments. She stated that donor countries should particularly support "those countries, which are ready for reform partnerships."[15] Merkel will focus on the Gleneagles Africa Action Plan.[16]
On October 15, 2006, Ulrich Schäfer of Suddeautshe Zeitung reported that according to the confidential program for the summit, the G8 will discuss the social dimension of globalization, the structure and reform of social security in developing countries, and investment in worker efficiency and human capital as the key to economic and social development and lasting growth.[17]
According to the BBC, the German federal government announced on October 15, 2006, that one of the main summit issues is the situation in Africa.[18]
On July 27, 2006, it was reported in the Financial Times that Merkel will lead the G8 away from its focus on development issues.[19]
Chancellor Merkel announced to Russian reporters that while the agenda for the 2007 summit is not finalized, "of course, it will include a struggle against poverty."[20]
According to Larry Elliot, economics editor of the British daily The Guardian, Merkel has agreed to put Africa on the summit agenda.[21]
Global Economic Imbalances and the World Economy
On October 18, 2006, a German government official announced that the leaders will discuss global imbalances, Asian foreign-currency reserves, greater flexibility of Chinese yuan, the American twin deficit, and the need for structural reforms in Europe and Japan.[22] The leaders will also address the need for hedge fund transparency and the stability of financial markets, protectionism in investment and promoting innovation.[23]
Government circles in Berlin have reported that the economic discussion will include the issue of protectionism.[24]
On October 18, 2006, German government officials stated that the discussion of the world economy would not be a pure "capitalist agenda."[25] It will include the social dimensions of the world economy, responsible resource use, climate protection and energy efficiency.
On the global economy, the German summit is expected to discuss encouraging the United Stated to cut budget and trade deficits.[26] The leaders will also discuss how to bring growth to sluggish economies in Europe and Japan.[27]
On October 18, 2006, the German government announced that it will seek a discussion on regulating hedge funds.[28] The issue of hedge fund transparency is particularly relevant in the wake of the Amaranth debacle, which German finance minister Peer Steinbruck says alerted all to the "new sensitivity" in the United States to the systemic risks of hedge funds.[29] Steinbruck stated that this is a good opportunity to discuss the issue, and G7 Finance ministers are expected to discuss ways of improving hedge fund transparency during the German presidency.[30] Steinbruck stated that on hedge funds, "we are not talking about regulation here. The question is really one of transparency."[31] While the German government admits that while an agreement or solution might not be feasible, a discussion is important.[32]
According to the BBC, the German federal government announced on October 15, 2006, that one of the main summit issues is better control of hedge funds.[33]
On October 15, 2006, Ulrich Schäfer of Suddeautshe Zeitung reported that according to the confidential program for the summit, the G8 will discuss how to improve the basic conditions for a dynamic development of the world economy.[34] This topic is particularly important to Merkel due to the fact that transnational mergers and acquisitions have recently been met with political resistance in the European Union and other large economies.[35]
On July 27, 2006, the Financial Times reported that Merkel will focus the summit's attention on global economic matters, such as global imbalances.[36]
Environment and Climate Change
On October 18, 2006, a German government official announced that the leaders will discuss energy efficiency, alternative energy and climate protection.[37] One official stated that nuclear power will not be on the agenda.[38]
On October 18, 2006, a spokesperson for the German Treasury stated that the priority issues of the German presidency are Africa and climate change.[39]
On October 18, 2006, German government officials stated that energy efficiency is a key theme, both in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring efficient use of oil and gas supplies in the face of high prices.[40]
On October 18, 2006, German government officials stated that the discussion of the world economy would not be a pure "capitalist agenda."[41] It will include the social dimensions of the world economy, responsible resource use, climate protection and energy efficiency.
On October 15, 2006, Ulrich Schäfer of Suddeautshe Zeitung reported that according to the confidential program for the summit, the G8 will discuss climate change and the future of the Kyoto protocol.[42] Merkel wants the G8 to set verifiable and attainable goals to increase the use of alternative fuels, particularly biofuels.[43] On climate change, Merkel seeks a new quality of cooperation regarding access to raw materials between producer, transit and consumer countries, because "the world-wide competition for resources so far has few rules."[44]
On October 3, 2006, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters that environmental protection will be high on the agenda in 2007 and that Russia is "preparing to hand over the relay to the German friends."[45]
On September 28, 2006, Deutsche Welle reported that Merkel named climate change as her presidency's top priority for the summit.[46] Merkel also stated that she will use Germany's EU presidency to push for reduced energy use and more energy efficiency.[47] Merkel stated that "To prevent global warming, the nations with the largest emissions of gases that are causing climate change have to take part... That's why we will make this an important issue once again on the agenda during our G8 presidency... China, India and other countries are now much more aware of the risks... As a result, the ground is now more fertile than it once was... We urgently need agreements for the period after 2012 when the Kyoto Protocol expires. Germany will do all it can within its realm as president of both the G8 and the EU ... We have a great chance next year to have an international impact."[48]
On August 1, 2006, the German G8 Sherpa office disclosed that while no definite decisions concerning key topics have officially been made, energy and climate change and intellectual property rights will be priorities at the summit.[49]
On October 18, 2006, a German government official announced that the leaders will discuss energy efficiency, alternative energy and climate protection.[50] One official stated that nuclear power will not be on the agenda.[51]
On October 18, 2006, German government officials stated that energy efficiency is a key theme, both in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring efficient use of oil and gas supplies in the face of high prices.[52]
On October 18, 2006, German government officials stated that the discussion of the world economy would not be a pure "capitalist agenda."[53] It will include the social dimensions of the world economy, responsible resource use, climate protection and energy efficiency.
On September 28, 2006, Deutsche Welle reported that Merkel stated that she will use Germany's EU presidency to push for reduced energy use and more energy efficiency.[54]
On August 1, 2006, the German G8 Sherpa office disclosed that while no definite decisions concerning key topics have officially been made, energy and climate change and intellectual property rights will be priorities at the summit.[55]
On July 27, 2006, the Financial Times reported that the central topics of the German summit will be global economic imbalances, energy and intellectual property protection.[56]
Sustainable, renewable and environmentally sound energy policy will be a topic for the summit.[57]
World Trade and Intellectual Property Rights
According to the BBC, the German federal government announced on October 15, 2006, that one of the main summit issues is product piracy.[58]
On October 15, 2006, Ulrich Schäfer of Suddeautshe Zeitung reported that according to the confidential program for the summit, Merkel will focus on fighting product piracy. Germany seeks to initiate a structured dialogue with the developing countries over the protection of the intellectual property.[59] Merkel also seeks new international agreements to make trading falsified products more difficult and to strengthen the existing national and international rules.[60]
On August 1, 2006, the German G8 Sherpa office disclosed that while no definite decisions concerning key topics have officially been made, energy and climate change and intellectual property rights will be priorities at the summit.[61]
On July 27, 2006, the Financial Times reported that the central topics of the German summit will be global economic imbalances, energy and intellectual property protection.[62]
The trade agenda will focus particularly on intellectual property rights.
On July 19, 2006, Chancellor Merkel announced to Russian reporters that "The topics will depend on the situation in the world then and will probably include a discussion on Iran, the Middle East conflict..."[63]
On October 18, 2006, Agence France Presse reported that the outreach countries will participate in the discussions on counterfeit products, rules governing working conditions, and the climate change.[64]
The outreach countries of China, India, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa will attend the discussion on the framework conditions of globalization.[65]
On October 18, 2006, German officials confirmed that China, Brazil, India, Mexico and South Africa will be invited to the summit, but that the G8 will not be expanded.[66]
On October 15, 2006, officials reported that Germany plans to invite the heads of government from African countries to a separate summit on Africa in Germany before the G8 summit.[67] The focus of the summit will be to encourage private investment in Africa.[68] The African summit is being organized by German Cooperation Minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul, and will be held in Germany, tentatively in May, 2007.[69]
On July 27, 2006, the Financial Times reported that Merkel rejected a proposal to extend G8 membership to include China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Mexico.[70] This proposal was supported by the UK.[71]
On July 17, 2006, Chancellor Merkel stated that Mexico, Brazil and other countries invited to the 2006 summit will be invited to attend the G8 summit in 2007.[72]
Notes
[1] Associated Press Newswires (October 18, 2006), "Germany sets agenda for next year's G-8."
[2] Associated Press Newswires (October 18, 2006), "Germany sets agenda for next year's G-8."
[3] Financial Times (October 18, 2006), "Hedge fund transparency put on G8 agenda."
[4] Associated Press Newswires (October 18, 2006), "Germany sets agenda for next year's G-8."
[5] BBC Monitoring European (October 18, 2006), "German G8 presidency to focus on hedge funds, product piracy, Africa."
[6] The Guardian (October 19, 2006), "Germany to put debt and aid for Africa at top of G8 agenda."
[7] Joe De Capua (October 18, 2006), "VOA News: Germany to make Africa Priority at Next G8 Summit," The Voice of America.
[8] All Africa (October 18, 2006), "German Cabinet Announced Africa to be Focus of 2007 G8 Summit."
[9] Reuters (October 18, 2006), "Lobby groups welcome Germany focus on Africa for G8."
[10] Associated Press Newswires (October 18, 2006), "Germany sets agenda for next year's G-8."
[11] Agence France Presse (October 18, 2006), "Germany's G8: dialogue with new eco players and rewards for Africa."
[12] Ulrich Schäfer (October 15, 2006), "Vertrauliches Programm für den Weltwirtschaftsgipfel 2007," Suddeautshe Zeitung, Accessed October 19, 2006, http://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/artikel/758/88670/
[13] Deutsche Welle (October 16, 2006), "Germany to Push for G8 Partnerships with Africa."
[14] Financial Times (17 October, 2006), "FT.com site: Hedge fund transparency put on G8 agenda."
[15] Ulrich Schäfer (October 15, 2006), "Vertrauliches Programm für den Weltwirtschaftsgipfel 2007," Suddeautshe Zeitung, Accessed October 19, 2006, http://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/artikel/758/88670/
[16] Ulrich Schäfer (October 15, 2006), "Vertrauliches Programm für den Weltwirtschaftsgipfel 2007," Suddeautshe Zeitung, Accessed October 19, 2006, http://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/artikel/758/88670/
[17] Ulrich Schäfer (October 15, 2006), "Vertrauliches Programm für den Weltwirtschaftsgipfel 2007," Suddeautshe Zeitung, Accessed October 19, 2006, http://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/artikel/758/88670/
[18] BBC Monitoring European (October 19, 2006), "Protests planned against G8 in Germany in June 2007."
[19] Bertrand Benoit (Berlin) and Mark Schieritz (Frankfurt) (July 27, 2006), "Germany plans to shake up G8 agenda," The Financial Times.
[20] Jabeen Bhatti (July 19, 2006), "German H8 Presidency: Changes in Style and Substance," Deutsche Welle. Accessed July 23, 2006. http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,2103556,00.html.
[21] Jabeen Bhatti (July 19, 2006), "German H8 Presidency: Changes in Style and Substance," Deutsche Welle. Accessed July 23, 2006. http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,2103556,00.html.
[22] Dow Jones International News (October 18, 2006), "Germany to Address Global Imbalances at G8 in 07."
[23] Dow Jones International News (October 18, 2006), "Germany to Address Global Imbalances at G8 in 07."
[24] BBC Monitoring European (October 18, 2006), "German G8 presidency to focus on hedge funds, product piracy, Africa."
[25] BBC Monitoring European (October 18, 2006), "German G8 presidency to focus on hedge funds, product piracy, Africa."
[26] Associated Press Newswires (October 18, 2006), "Germany sets agenda for next year's G-8."
[27] Associated Press Newswires (October 18, 2006), "Germany sets agenda for next year's G-8."
[28] The Guardian (October 19, 2006), "Germany to put debt and aid for Africa at top of G8 agenda."
[29] Financial Times (October 18, 2006), "Hedge fund transparency put on G8 agenda."
[30] Financial Times (October 18, 2006), "Hedge fund transparency put on G8 agenda."
[31] Financial Times (October 18, 2006), "Hedge fund transparency put on G8 agenda."
[32] Agence France Presse (October 18, 2006), "Germany's G8: dialogue with new eco players and rewards for Africa."
[33] BBC Monitoring European (October 19, 2006), "Protests planned against G8 in Germany in June 2007."
[34] Ulrich Schäfer (October 15, 2006), "Vertrauliches Programm für den Weltwirtschaftsgipfel 2007," Suddeautshe Zeitung, Accessed October 19, 2006, http://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/artikel/758/88670/
[35] Ulrich Schäfer (October 15, 2006), "Vertrauliches Programm für den Weltwirtschaftsgipfel 2007," Suddeautshe Zeitung, Accessed October 19, 2006, http://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/artikel/758/88670/
[36] Bertrand Benoit (Berlin) and Mark Schieritz (Frankfurt) (July 27, 2006), "Germany plans to shake up G8 agenda," The Financial Times.
[37] Dow Jones International News (October 18, 2006), "Germany to Address Global Imbalances at G8 in 07."
[38] Dow Jones International News (October 18, 2006), "Germany to Address Global Imbalances at G8 in 07."
[39] The Guardian (October 19, 2006), "Germany to put debt and aid for Africa at top of G8 agenda."
[40] Associated Press Newswires (October 18, 2006), "Germany sets agenda for next year's G-8."
[41] BBC Monitoring European (October 18, 2006), "German G8 presidency to focus on hedge funds, product piracy, Africa."
[42] Ulrich Schäfer (October 15, 2006), "Vertrauliches Programm für den Weltwirtschaftsgipfel 2007," Suddeautshe Zeitung, Accessed October 19, 2006, http://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/artikel/758/88670/
[43] Ulrich Schäfer (October 15, 2006), "Vertrauliches Programm für den Weltwirtschaftsgipfel 2007," Suddeautshe Zeitung, Accessed October 19, 2006, http://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/artikel/758/88670/
[44] Ulrich Schäfer (October 15, 2006), "Vertrauliches Programm für den Weltwirtschaftsgipfel 2007," Suddeautshe Zeitung, Accessed October 19, 2006, http://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/artikel/758/88670/
[45] ITAR-TASS World Service (October 3, 2006), "G8 summit in Germany to focus on environmental protection - Lavrov."
[46] Deutsche Welle (September 28, 2006), "Merkel to Target Climate Change as G8, EU Leader," accessed October 2, 2006 <www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,2188336,00.html?maca=en-bulletin-433-html>.
[47] Deutsche Welle (September 28, 2006), "Merkel to Target Climate Change as G8, EU Leader," accessed October 2, 2006 <www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,2188336,00.html?maca=en-bulletin-433-html>.
[48] Deutsche Welle (September 28, 2006), "Merkel to Target Climate Change as G8, EU Leader," accessed October 2, 2006 <www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,2188336,00.html?maca=en-bulletin-433-html>.
[49] Mona Bricke (August 31, 2006), Email to Intngo listserve.
[50] Dow Jones International News (October 18, 2006), "Germany to Address Global Imbalances at G8 in 07."
[51] Dow Jones International News (October 18, 2006), "Germany to Address Global Imbalances at G8 in 07."
[52] Associated Press Newswires (October 18, 2006), "Germany sets agenda for next year's G-8."
[53] BBC Monitoring European (October 18, 2006), "German G8 presidency to focus on hedge funds, product piracy, Africa."
[54] Deutsche Welle (September 28, 2006), "Merkel to Target Climate Change as G8, EU Leader," accessed October 2, 2006 <www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,2188336,00.html?maca=en-bulletin-433-html>.
[55] Mona Bricke (August 31, 2006), Email to Intngo listserve.
[56] Bertrand Benoit (Berlin) and Mark Schieritz (Frankfurt) (July 27, 2006), "Germany plans to shake up G8 agenda," The Financial Times.
[57] Jabeen Bhatti (July 19, 2006), "German H8 Presidency: Changes in Style and Substance," Deutsche Welle. Accessed July 23, 2006. http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,2103556,00.html.
[58] BBC Monitoring European (October 19, 2006), "Protests planned against G8 in Germany in June 2007."
[59] Ulrich Schäfer (October 15, 2006), "Vertrauliches Programm für den Weltwirtschaftsgipfel 2007," Suddeautshe Zeitung, Accessed October 19, 2006, http://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/artikel/758/88670/
[60] Ulrich Schäfer (October 15, 2006), "Vertrauliches Programm für den Weltwirtschaftsgipfel 2007," Suddeautshe Zeitung, Accessed October 19, 2006, http://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/artikel/758/88670/
[61] Mona Bricke (August 31, 2006), Email to Intngo listserve.
[62] Bertrand Benoit (Berlin) and Mark Schieritz (Frankfurt) (July 27, 2006), "Germany plans to shake up G8 agenda," The Financial Times.
[63] Jabeen Bhatti (July 19, 2006), "German H8 Presidency: Changes in Style and Substance," Deutsche Welle. Accessed July 23, 2006. http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,2103556,00.html.
[64] Agence France Presse (October 18, 2006), "Germany's G8: dialogue with new eco players and rewards for Africa."
[65] BBC Monitoring European (October 18, 2006), "German G8 presidency to focus on hedge funds, product piracy, Africa."
[66] The Guardian (October 19, 2006), "Germany to put debt and aid for Africa at top of G8 agenda."
[67] All Africa (October 18, 2006), "German Cabinet Announced Africa to be Focus of 2007 G8 Summit."
[68] The Guardian (October 19, 2006), "Germany to put debt and aid for Africa at top of G8 agenda."
[69] Agence France Presse (October 18, 2006), "Germany's G8: dialogue with new eco players and rewards for Africa."
[70] Bertrand Benoit (Berlin) and Mark Schieritz (Frankfurt) (July 27, 2006), "Germany plans to shake up G8 agenda," The Financial Times.
[71] Bertrand Benoit (Berlin) and Mark Schieritz (Frankfurt) (July 27, 2006), "Germany plans to shake up G8 agenda," The Financial Times.
[72] Regnum (July 17, 2006), "German chancellor does not know G8 agenda for 2007," Accessed July 23, 2006. http://www.regnum.ru/english/674931.html.
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