Overview
- Leaders have scrapped a comprehensive closing declaration in favour of narrow sectoral statements on topics like wildfires, artificial intelligence and critical raw materials to prevent a rupture with President Trump
- Delegates are discussing tougher Russia sanctions, including a proposal to lower the oil price cap from $60 to $45 per barrel, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj invited to a working breakfast on Tuesday to press for continued support
- Brussels and Washington remain locked in negotiations to avert new US tariffs scheduled for July, with the EU offering reciprocal tariff reductions and steps to harmonize regulatory standards
- The recent Israel-Iran clashes are expected to feature in bilateral meetings but will not be addressed in any collective Middle East statement
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is using the summit to assert European leadership, maintain dialogue with Trump and secure sustained US backing on Ukraine and NATO defence commitments