A significant number of European leaders are expected to skip the EU‑CELAC summit in Santa Marta, Colombia, citing concerns over potential backlash from U.S. President Donald Trump. The meeting, which brings together the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean, has become controversial after Trump’s recent sanctions and military actions against Colombia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron have all opted out of the summit, which was intended to discuss trade ties and organized crime.
The withdrawals follow Trump’s accusation that Colombian President Gustavo Petro is an “illegal drug dealer” and his order for U.S. strikes on suspected narcotics boats in the Caribbean. EU officials fear that attending the summit could upset Trump and jeopardize a fragile trade deal reached earlier this year. The EU also depends heavily on U.S. military and intelligence support for its operations in Ukraine, making it vulnerable to American pressure.
A European Commission spokesperson cited the current agenda and low turnout as reasons for von der Leyen’s absence, while Berlin and the Élysée confirmed the decisions of Merz and Macron, respectively. A senior Latin American official described the situation as “very complicated,” noting “last‑minute cancellations.” Reports indicate that only five European leaders and three Latin American and Caribbean leaders have confirmed their attendance.
Trump’s actions are seen as an attempt to undermine the summit. Petro has claimed that Washington is trying to prevent countries that support freedom and democracy from meeting. Nevertheless, some leaders, including Brazil’s Lula da Silva and Spain’s Pedro Sánchez, are expected to attend. European Council President Antonio Costa will co‑chair the meeting, which represents 50 countries and 21 % of global GDP.
Beyond the current controversy, the summit aims to strengthen trade ties and cooperation between the EU and CELAC nations. Meanwhile, the U.S. has ordered a significant naval buildup in the Caribbean, citing efforts to combat drug trafficking and to pressure Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. This move has further strained the already tense U.S.–Colombia relationship; Petro’s plane was denied fuel during a stop in Cape Verde last week because of sanctions. As the summit approaches, it remains uncertain how the situation will unfold and what impact it will have on the relationships among the participating nations.
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