Internal EU coordination for the G7, G8 and G20

This study examines if, how and why the EU coordinates for the G7, G8 and G20 (Gx). It focuses on internal EU coordination in Brussels involving all EU member states as opposed to ‘external’ coordination among European Gx participants in the margins of Gx meetings. It appears that internal EU coordination not only differs across the three Gx forums, but also within a single forum such as the G20. In order to understand these patterns of coordination, six potential causal factors are assessed: existing policies, interests, competences, relevance, EU influence and Gx organization. It is argued that Gx-related factors significantly influence the level of internal coordination for the G7, G8 and G20. However, coordination seems to be less affected by the informal character of the Gx than it is generally assumed. Furthermore, it is argued that the role of the non-Gx EU member states cannot be ignored if one seeks to understand the level of internal EU coordination for the Gx. Finally, it appears that the European Commission seems to be more concerned about its own performance and that of the Union in the Gx, rather than about involving the non-Gx EU member states in the Gx process.