Key European Figures Skipping the Colombian Summit
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will not attend the UE-CELAC summit in Santa Marta, Colombia, scheduled for this Sunday. This decision comes amidst rising tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and the leaders of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, as well as Colombian host Gustavo Petro.
Macron’s Cancellation and European Representation
On Tuesday, the Elysée Palace confirmed that Macron would not travel to Colombia. Von der Leyen and Merz canceled their participation at the last minute, despite initially being scheduled in their agendas, according to European sources. The European Union will be represented by the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the High Representative of the EU, Kaja Kallas.
Reduced Attendance and Reasons for Absence
European sources explain to Europa Press that attendance at the summit will be low, with both European and Latin American participation decreasing in recent days. Although the exact number of leaders attending Santa Marta fluctuates until the last minute, Spanish President Pedro Sanchez’s presence is confirmed. European leaders expected to attend number no more than a dozen.
The absence of Von der Leyen has caused dissatisfaction among EU member states, as she typically attends such summits as a co-host by protocol. A European Commission spokesperson stated that Von der Leyen will not attend the meeting with Latin American leaders due to the current political agenda and low attendance from other heads of state and government.
Importance of EU-CELAC Relations
Despite the reduced attendance, the European Commission emphasizes that the summit highlights the significance and momentum of EU-Latin American relations amid geopolitical challenges and divisions. The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, stated that in this period of volatility and uncertainty, it is crucial for the EU to remain a reliable and predictable partner.
Tensions with the U.S. and Regional Divisions
The summit coincides with escalating tensions between the U.S. and Latin America, following Pentagon operations against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and the buildup of naval and air forces in various regional bases. Trump has threatened military intervention in Venezuela to remove Maduro, whom he claims has days left in power.
Furthermore, ideological divisions within the U.S. have also contributed to the challenges facing the summit. For instance, the Dominican Republic postponed ‘indefinitely’ the Americas Summit scheduled for this week in Punta Cana, hoping to hold it in 2026 under more productive circumstances. Dominican authorities decided not to invite Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Cuba, believing this would increase attendance. However, countries like Mexico and Colombia also declined to participate as a gesture of solidarity.
Additional Challenges Facing the Summit
The passage of Hurricane Melissa through many Caribbean nations invited to the summit has made it difficult for regional leaders to attend. Additionally, the summit coincides with the early stages of the UN Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil, further complicating attendance.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is not attending the UE-CELAC summit? President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are not attending.
- Why are these European leaders absent? Due to the current political agenda and low attendance from other heads of state and government.
- Who will represent the European Union at the summit? The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the High Representative of the EU, Kaja Kallas.
- What are the tensions causing this summit’s challenges? Escalating tensions between the U.S. and Latin America, including threats of military intervention by Trump in Venezuela and ideological divisions within the U.S.
- What additional challenges face the summit? Hurricane Melissa affecting Caribbean nations and the concurrent UN Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil.
