G7 summit in Bavaria – world politics at the foot of the Wetterstein

Preparations for the meeting between the seven heads of state from Germany, USA, Great Britain, French, Italy, Japan and Canada are being finalised. Everything must be planned and organised to perfection when the heads of government from the most prominent industrial nations gather in the exclusive setting of the Schloss Elmau hotel in the Wetterstein mountains for their regular scheduled meeting on 7th and 8th June.

Topics and focus

In order to prepare for the summit, discussion topics are laid out in advance by negotiators (so-called sherpas) representing the participating governments. This year, participants will particularly emphasise the desire to work together, summarised in the motto “Think ahead. Act together.” The most pressing issues will be the conflict in Ukraine and Russia's annexation of Crimea. A coordinated response against the Islamic terrorist group IS in Iraq and Syria as well as consultations on the lessons learned from the Ebola epidemic in West Africa will also be key issues on the agenda. Other key topics include:

• protecting marine environment, ocean governance and resource efficiency for the environment,
• antibiotic resistance, diseases related to neglect and poverty,
• standards in trade and supply chains as well as
• the strengthening of women's independence and professional development
  
  

Bavaria benefits as a region

Planning staff in Munich have been preparing for the meeting for over a year – from devising a security concept and infrastructure measures through to organising accommodations for the numerous guests. Bavaria has accelerated a series of construction and infrastructure projects within the region in the run up to the summit. One of the most important requirements for the G7 summit was the development of the bug-proof digital radio. The high valley of Elmau will receive an expanded connection to the public water and sewage system and the access road via Klais will be newly asphalted. The train station in the small town of Krün will be restored especially for the summit and Mittenwald train station will be made accessible for the disabled in preparation of the G7 meeting. The centre of both towns will also be modernised in the run up to the summit. Important outcome for the region is that local companies will particularly benefit from the many construction contracts.

A meeting amid magnificent scenery

With so many issues to discuss, there will hardly be any time to discover the magnificent Alpine panorama of the Karwendel and Wetterstein. The region in the Garmisch-Partenkrichen district is one the most spectacular areas in Germany and is visited by more than one million tourists each year. Whether it be hiking during the summer or a skiing in the winter – the region offers a diverse holiday experience for holiday-makers seeking either relaxation or activity. The region has always played host to a number of prominent visitors: one of King Ludwig II of Bavaria's absolute favourite places was his King's House on Schachen.