CELAC–EU Summit Opens in Santa Marta With Thin Turnout Under U.S.–Latin Strains

Overview

• Low leader turnout follows last‑minute cancellations, with Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Spain’s Pedro Sánchez among the few high‑profile attendees.
• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen withdrew at the last moment as observers reported scant diplomatic activity at the venue.
• Washington removed Colombia from a counternarcotics partner list and imposed economic sanctions on President Gustavo Petro.
• President Donald Trump’s naval campaign against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific has reportedly left about 70 dead, drawing sharp criticism from Petro.
• The meeting is co‑presided by Petro and European Council President António Costa, and analysts expect limited outcomes beyond possible movement on the EU–Mercosur agenda.