Fact Check: Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for fair, predictable, and open trade among G7 nations during a press conference at the G7 summit in Canada on June 9, 2018.

Fact Check: Ursula von der Leyen's Trade Remarks at the G7 Summit

What We Know

During the 44th G7 summit held in La Malbaie, Quebec, Canada, on June 8-9, 2018, Ursula von der Leyen, then the German Minister of Defense and a prominent figure in European politics, emphasized the importance of maintaining fair, predictable, and open trade among G7 nations. In a press briefing, she stated, “Let us keep trade between us fair, predictable and open. All of us need to avoid protectionism” (Arab News). This statement came in the context of rising tensions regarding trade policies, particularly those initiated by the United States under President Donald Trump.

The summit was marked by significant discussions around trade, especially in light of the U.S. tariffs on various goods, which had raised concerns among other G7 leaders about the implications for global trade dynamics (Wikipedia). Von der Leyen's remarks were part of a broader call for unity among G7 nations to resist protectionist measures that could destabilize international trade (Politico).

Analysis

The claim that Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for fair, predictable, and open trade during the G7 summit is supported by multiple reliable sources. Her direct quote is consistently reported across various news outlets, confirming the accuracy of the statement (Arab News, Politico, Euronews).

The context of her remarks is crucial; they were made against a backdrop of escalating trade tensions, particularly due to U.S. tariffs, which had sparked fears of a trade war. This context adds weight to her call for a unified approach among G7 nations to avoid protectionism (Wikipedia, Jakarta Post).

The sources cited are credible, with Arab News being a well-known international news outlet, and Politico and Euronews being reputable platforms for political news in Europe. The consistency of the reports across these sources enhances their reliability, indicating that von der Leyen's statement was not only made but also widely acknowledged and reported.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

Ursula von der Leyen did indeed emphasize the need for fair, predictable, and open trade among G7 nations during a press conference at the G7 summit in Canada on June 9, 2018. The statement is well-documented and corroborated by multiple reputable sources, reflecting her position on the importance of cooperative trade policies in the face of rising protectionism.

Sources

1. 44th G7 summit - Wikipedia
2. EU chief calls at G7 for world to ‘avoid protectionism’ - Arab News
3. Joint press conference - President von der Leyen - EU Council
4. EU urges Trump to ditch trade war as G7 kicks off - Politico.eu
5. G7 confronts Israel-Iran crisis as Trump dominates summit - Jakarta Post
6. G7 leaders gather in Canada for a summit overshadowed - Euronews
7. EU calls on Trump to end trade war at G7 summit - UNN
8. G7 leaders gather in Canada for a summit overshadowed - Yahoo News