The EU-CELAC summit has become a “safe space” for Latin American and Caribbean leaders to “frankly address” US military policy, thanks to two key factors: the US is not invited, and the EU’s top leadership is absent. This analysis, articulated by policy expert Alexander Main, explains how a summit on the verge of “irrelevance” has suddenly become the year’s most important forum for regional sovereignty.
Main noted that with the Summit of the Americas postponed, this is the “last high-level multilateral summit” of the year. This timing is critical. Regional leaders are desperate to discuss a US military operation that has killed over 60 people, an issue that “is clearly a priority.”
The summit’s host, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, has led the charge, calling the deaths “extrajudicial executions.” The “safe space” environment is allowing this criticism to flourish without diplomatic pushback from Washington.
The EU’s weakness is also a factor. The absence of Ursula von der Leyen and Friedrich Merz, blamed on “scheduling conflicts,” means there is no strong, pro-US transatlantic partner in the room to defend Washington or change the subject.
This vacuum has been filled by Brazilian President Lula, who is attending to show “solidarity with Venezuela” against other US threats. This has created a perfect storm for criticism. The “Declaration of Santa Marta” on energy is forgotten; the summit’s sole purpose is now to be the “frank” forum the region has been waiting for.