Group of 7 most powerful democracies meet to find ways to help global economy

Activists of the international campaigning and advocacy organization ONE installed balloons with portraits of the G7 heads of state in front of the Frauenkirche cathedral (Church of Our Lady) prior to the G7 Finance Ministers meeting in Dresden, eastern Germany, Wednesday, May 27, 2015. They demand more money for the poor countries worldwide. The G7 Finance Ministers meeting is being held in Dresden from May 27 to May 29, 2015. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer) (The Associated Press)

DRESDEN, Germany – Top finance officials from the Group of Seven wealthy democracies are gathering in Germany to discuss ways to strengthen the global economy.

U.S. officials are pressing countries such as Germany that have strong economies and finances to invest more and stimulate their economies. They're also urging European leaders to find a solution to Greece's financial problems that will avoid a messy exit from the euro.

Ahead of the meeting, activists urging more help for poor countries floated large balloons bearing the faces of G-7 leaders next to Dresden's historic Frauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, urging the meeting to produce more than "hot air."

The gathered finance ministers will also tackle financial regulation and ways to cut off financing for extremist organizations such as the Islamic State group.