Towards a connected future: G7 meeting in Milan in order to define the global mobility

Translated by Alessandra Fumagalli 

The G7, or Group of Seven, is an international forum consisting of the seven most industrialized and developed countries in the worlds. The present members are United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. Russia was a formal member, as part of the G8, from 1997 until 2014, because of some issues with Crimea, it was suspended. The G7, born in 1975 as G6 consisted only of six industrialized countries (United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Japan) and it evolved in order to align with the geopolitical and global economy changes. The G7’s main objective is discussing about common economic, financial and political issues, promoting the international cooperation and facing global challenges. 2024’s presidency is held by the Italian government, who acts as a temporary secretary, hosting the G7’s activities and the Leaders’ Summit. Particularly, the Presidency plays a crucial role in setting the agenda and establishing priorities. 

In the previous days, from 11th April till 13th April, it was held in Milan the “Transports” ministerial meeting, whose title was: “The Future of Mobility: Ensuring Global Connectivity in an Uncertain World”, under the presidency of the Transports Minister Matteo Salvini. 

During these meetings, the Group of Seven approved a Joint Declaration, which affirms their effort towards Ukraine, praising its determination and firmly condemning the Russian aggression. Now the priority is the reconstruction and the cooperation with global institutions in order to guarantee a firm peace. Some initiatives, like the “Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform for Ukraine” and the “Trans-European Transport Network” have been positively accepted. G7 supports resilience of international supply networks and condemn illegal "dark fleet" operations, setting limits on Russian oil prices. The importance of reconstruction of Ukrainian transports systems is crucial, for their economy recovery and global connection. 

The joint declaration deals with different crisis, which threaten the security and efficiency of the global supplier chains. Crucial is the necessity of integrating the joint plan in the Transports’ policies in order to improve shock resistance and resilience. Diversification of routes, transportation methods and promotion of economic corridors are fundamental for sustainable development and the local integration. The declaration highlights the importance of mitigating the impacts of climate changes by reducing the greenhouse gas emissions and adopting green technologies. Promotion of some initiatives is also paramount, like the green maritime transport and the use of sustainable energies, aiming at limiting the raise in the global temperature of 1.5°C by 2050. 

Emerging technologies, like the Artificial Intelligence, are remarkable opportunities, because they improve security, efficiency and equity. Also the private sector is crucial, in order to face some other challenges. As far as the technological security is concerned, because it is fundamental in term of transports, it is important paying attention to some attacks that threaten vital systems. It is essential to guarantee high standards in the supply chains, and cooperate in order to identify and mitigate threats. The Group of Seven firmly condemns Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and highlights the importance of defending the freedom of navigation in some areas. Accessibility and equity are essential, just as some infrastructural investments, aiming at sustainability and resilience of transports. G7 affirms the decisive role of port infrastructures and it establishes a Team Work on the supplier chains of transport in order to face the emerging challenges and promote resilience. 

The G7 meeting on transports, held in Milan, confirmed the support of the Member States towards Ukraine, condemning the Russian aggression. Moreover, the joint declaration underlined the necessity of resilience and sustainability in transports, focusing on equity and adopting innovating technologies. Other meetings will follow, facing other crucial issues, underlining the importance of the international cooperation. 

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