EU leaders to skip summit in Colombia to avoid irritating Trump: Media reveals who’s not going
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
Some European leaders will not take part in the EU summit with Latin American and Caribbean countries, which will be held in Colombia. The reason is concern about irritating US President Donald Trump, Bloomberg reports.
According to the outlet, the EU–CELAC summit, scheduled for November 9–10 in the city of Santa Marta, Colombia, is raising growing concerns in Europe as the US increases pressure on several countries, including Colombia, which is hosting the event, and Venezuela, accusing them of drug trafficking.
Sources cited by Bloomberg say that only five European leaders and three representatives from Latin American countries have confirmed their participation in the meeting.
German Chancellor’s spokesperson Stefan Kornelius explained Friedrich Merz’s decision not to attend by "the low participation of other heads of state and government."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen took a similar stance. According to her representative, the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, will attend the summit in von der Leyen’s place.
The summit was expected to address the strengthening of trade relations, the fight against organized crime, and a joint position on US policy in the region. Latin American countries also want the EU to support a regional candidate for the position of the next UN Secretary-General.
This summit is not the first Latin American forum to "fall into a political buzzsaw," the media notes. On November 3, the Dominican Republic announced that it was postponing the main meeting of American leaders until next year, as US military strikes on boats in the region have heightened tensions with Venezuela and divided the region.
Despite the difficult situation, the European Union hopes to conclude negotiations on a trade agreement with the South American bloc Mercosur by the end of the year.
Background
Colombian President Gustavo Petro took part in protests in New York against the war in Palestine, where he called on US troops not to follow orders from President Donald Trump. Following this, Washington revoked his visa.
In October, Trump sharply criticized the Colombian leader, calling him an "illegitimate leader of drug trafficking" and announcing the suspension of US financial aid to Colombia.
Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Trump’s statements, calling them "offensive" and a threat to the country’s sovereignty. Shortly afterward, the US imposed sanctions against Petro, accusing him of ties to drug trafficking.
