When European, Latin American, and Caribbean leaders gather this Sunday in Santa Marta, Colombia, for a high-level multilateral summit, one major absence will loom large — Donald Trump. Yet, despite his absence, the foreign policy of the U.S. president has already cast a long shadow over the event and its agenda.
According to Euronews, several top European officials — including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen — have all opted out of attending the EU–CELAC Summit, signaling a rare diplomatic retreat by Europe.
The European delegation heading to Colombia will instead be limited to representatives from Spain and Portugal, countries with deep historical and linguistic ties to Latin America. Official explanations for the low turnout cite scheduling conflicts with the COP30 climate conference in Brazil, Hurricane Melissa, and the downgraded diplomatic profile of the summit — now shortened to a single-day event.
Originally envisioned as Colombia’s most ambitious diplomatic gathering in decades, the 2025 summit was expected to bring together over 60 heads of state. However, the reality has shifted: many global leaders have withdrawn, leaving a reduced and more symbolic event.
Perhaps the most notable absence is Ursula von der Leyen, who was initially expected to arrive in Colombia after attending COP30, where she showcased the EU’s climate credentials. Instead, she has delegated her participation to EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, who will represent the Commission on her behalf.
Analysts suggest that beyond logistical reasons, Europe’s hesitation may also reflect geopolitical uncertainty — particularly fears of how a second Trump presidency could reshape transatlantic relations and global diplomacy.
