Tensions between the United States and several Latin American nations are poised to dominate a major summit between the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Colombia. The meeting, designed to bolster EU-CELAC relations, is instead becoming a forum to air grievances over a deadly US military operation that has killed over 60 people in the Caribbean and Pacific since September. The US is not a party to the summit, which experts say could allow for a more “frank” and critical discussion of its military actions.
The summit’s host, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, is leading the charge against the US operation, which targets alleged drug vessels. Petro has called the deaths “extrajudicial executions” and noted that his own citizens are among the victims. This strong condemnation from the host country ensures the issue will be central, despite an official agenda focused on economic and environmental cooperation.
The gathering in Santa Marta is also struggling with questions of its own relevance dueTo a low turnout of top-tier leaders. The absences of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have been conspicuous. Colombia’s Foreign Ministry has downplayed this, citing scheduling conflicts with a UN climate summit, and has instead pointed to the presence of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Lula’s attendance is particularly noteworthy. The Brazilian president, who is preparing to host the COP30 climate conference, made a surprise decision to join the summit. His foreign ministry has linked this move to showing regional solidarity, particularly with Venezuela, which has been the subject of military threats from US President Donald Trump. Brazilian diplomats expect the US actions to be a “natural topic” of discussion, likely raised by the Venezuelan delegation.
While the summit officially aims to produce the “Declaration of Santa Marta” on renewable energy, food security, and technology, the geopolitical undercurrents are undeniable. Lula recently revealed that during a meeting with Trump in Malaysia, he urged the US president to seek peace in Venezuela, invoking George W. Bush’s diplomatic engagement after the 2002 coup attempt. Lula’s message was clear: “Latin America is a region of peace.”