G7: Donald Trump wants a 'comeback' summit in the US. But does anyone else?

World leaders have been hesitant to accept an invitation from Donald Trump to travel to the US for a G7 summit.

But, amid the COVID-19 outbreak in mid-March, Trump said the meeting would instead be held by video conference.

Now Trump wants to go back to meeting in person, except the response from his counterparts has been so far lukewarm.

French President Emmanuel Macron has been the clearest. His office said he would be happy to travel to Camp David in Maryland but only "if the health conditions would allow it".

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she would "definitely fight for multilateralism" whether or not that was during an in-person or virtual summit, and stressed she chose her words "with care" when pressed by Associated Press on whether she would consider actually making the transatlantic trip.

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G7: Donald Trump wants a 'comeback' summit in the US. But does anyone else? | Euronews

G8 leaders urge Europe to focus on growth

The Group of Eight nations are advocating growth rather than austerity in Europe after spending two days of meetings at Camp David aimed at containing an escalating fiscal crisis overseas.

US President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and leaders of the world's other top economies agreed that while Europe should still toil to reduce deficits, it must above all else promote widespread growth and job creation.

"All of us are absolutely committed to making sure that both growth and stability and fiscal consolidation are part of a overall package that all of us have to pursue in order to achieve the kind of prosperity for our citizens that we're looking for," Obama said at a news conference at the end of the summit.

For more: G8 leaders urge Europe to focus on growth - News1130

Amid Camp David's lush splendor, U.S. Marines enforce tight security

 It's one of the most storied political retreats in the world, a lushly verdant paradise nestled in the northern reaches of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

It's also guarded so heavily by U.S. Marines that those living near the rustic presidential compound have complained of soldiers leaping out at them from the pristine woods if they dare wander too close or look suspicious.

"I love living nearby because it's so beautiful, but it's a shame people living here will never, ever see Camp David, and also that security can be so over the top," a waitress at the Eisenhower Hotel in nearby Gettysburg, Pa., said Saturday.

For more: Amid Camp David's lush splendour, U.S. Marines enforce tight security - Winnipeg Free Press

Russia: President Putin Will Skip G8 Forum at Camp David in the US while forming his new Government

Forty-eight hours into his third term, President Vladimir Putin has backed out of a high-profile meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama and other G8 leaders.

The Kremlin confirmed Thursday that Putin had telephoned Obama to say he would not attend the Group of Eight summit in Maryland next week and would send Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in his stead.

In a short statement, the White House said Putin explained in the phone conversation Wednesday that he was busy finalizing a new government after his inauguration this week.

“Noting his responsibilities to finalize Cabinet appointments in the new Russian government, President Putin expressed his regret that he would be unable to attend the G8 summit at Camp David on May 18-19,” the White House said.

EU-Digest