A significant number of European leaders are expected to skip a major summit between the European Union, Latin America, and the Caribbean, citing concerns over potential backlash from US President Donald Trump. The EU-CELAC summit, scheduled to take place in Santa Marta, Colombia, has been marred by controversy following 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 meeting, which aims to discuss issues such as trade ties and organized crime. The withdrawals come after Trump accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro of being an “illegal drug dealer” and ordered US strikes on suspected narcotics boats in the Caribbean.
EU officials are reportedly wary of upsetting Trump, fearing it could jeopardize a fragile trade deal agreed upon earlier this year. The European Union relies heavily on US military and intelligence support for its operations in Ukraine, making it vulnerable to pressure from the US. A European Commission spokesperson cited the current agenda and low turnout as reasons for von der Leyen’s absence, while Berlin and the Elysee Palace confirmed the decisions of Merz and Macron, respectively.
The situation has been described as “very complicated” by a senior Latin American official, who noted that the meeting is experiencing “last-minute cancellations.” According to reports, only five European leaders and three Latin American and Caribbean leaders have confirmed their attendance. Trump’s actions have been seen as an attempt to undermine the summit, with Petro stating that Washington is trying to stop countries that want freedom and democracy from meeting.
Despite the tensions, some leaders, including Brazil’s Lula da Silva and Spain’s Pedro Sanchez, are expected to attend the summit. European Council President Antonio Costa is set to co-chair the meeting, which represents 50 countries and 21% of global GDP. The summit’s significance extends beyond the current controversy, as it aims to strengthen trade ties and cooperation between the EU and CELAC nations.
The US has ordered a significant naval buildup in the Caribbean, citing efforts to combat drug trafficking and pressure Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The move has further strained the already tense US-Colombia relationship, with Petro’s plane being denied fuel during a stop in Cape Verde last week due to sanctions. As the summit approaches, it remains to be seen how the current situation will unfold and what impact it will have on the relationships between the participating nations.