Quadrilateral group or the Quad is an informal group which includes the trade ministers of the European Union , the United States , Japan and Canada . It was first suggested during a private meeting during the 7th G7 summit in July 1981 . Initially , a trilateral group was proposed ( excluding Canada ) because of tensions between the two North American countries at the time but eventually , the Canadian Government successfully lobbied to be included . The European Commission has avoided formalizing the group because of resistance from certain European Union members , particularly France , who resent their lack of direct involvement
7th G7 summit
7th G7 summit
Quadrilateral group