The news:

The G8 summit will take place from 18 to 19 May in Camp David (U.S.). The European Union will be represented by the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, and the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy.

The G8 summit continues to play an important role in shaping global responses to global challenges. This year, G8 Leaders will address the following main topics:

• - 

  regional and political developments and security issues
• - 

  the global economy
• - 

  energy and climate issues
• - 

  food security

There will be an outreach working lunch on 19 May to discuss food security with the following African leaders: President John Mills (Ghana), President Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania), Prime Minister Meles Zenawi (Ethiopia), and the current Chairman of the African Union, President Yayi Boni from Benin. Leaders will also be joined by representatives of international organisations and the private sector involved in the global work on food security.

The background:

The European Union is, together with Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, a full member of the G8. European Commission President José Manuel Barroso participates for the 8th time in the G8. President Barroso has attended his first G8 summit in Gleneagles (2005). Last year's G8 summit was held in Deauville (France) and the 2013 edition will be hosted by the UK. The G8 summit in Camp David will be the first major international event for the new French President Hollande.

The event:

Participation of the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, and the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, in the G8 summit in Camp David (U.S.)

Pre-G8 summit briefing on Wednesday 16 May, 11.15 (OFF the record). Council premises (info:press.president@consilium.europa.eu).

Press events at the G8 summit in Camp David: to be confirmed.

G8 media accreditation has been closed. Please note that the G20 media accreditation deadline is Sunday 13 May.All media interested in covering the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Los Cabos, Baja California, Mexico, on 18 and 19 June are invited to fill out the online press accreditation form at http://www.g20.org/en/acreditaciones.

The sources:

Press material on the 2012 G8 summit (forthcoming)

G8/G20 section on President Barroso's website:

http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/president/g8-g20/index_en.htm

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/EU_live