The official agenda for a major summit between the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) is centered on pressing global challenges. Colombian officials, hosting the event in Santa Marta, are pushing for the signing of the “Declaration of Santa Marta,” a forward-looking agreement designed to foster deep cooperation on renewable energy, ensure food security, create new financing models, and share technology.
However, this ambitious, positive agenda is being completely eclipsed by a severe and immediate regional crisis. A US military operation targeting alleged drug-carrying vessels in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific has resulted in over 60 deaths since September. This deadly campaign has become the unintended focal point of the summit, pushing discussions about solar panels and crop security to the sidelines.
The crisis is being championed by the host nation itself. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has forcefully condemned the US strikes, labeling them “extrajudicial executions.” His criticism carries significant weight as he has identified a Colombian citizen among the deceased and another among the survivors. This direct impact on the host country makes it impossible for the summit to ignore the issue.
The summit’s diplomatic strength is also in question, further complicating efforts to control the agenda. The unexplained absences of top European figures, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have weakened the event. While Colombia’s Foreign Ministry has cited conflicts with a UN climate summit, the low turnout makes it harder to build consensus around the official Declaration.
Adding to the shift away from the official agenda is the last-minute attendance of Brazil’s President Lula. His delegation has made it clear he is attending not just for broad cooperation, but for “regional solidarity with Venezuela,” another nation facing threats of military action from US President Donald Trump. Brazilian diplomats stated the US strikes and threats against Venezuela will “naturally” be discussed, ensuring the summit’s focus remains squarely on the regional security emergency.