Several European leaders have withdrawn from a planned meeting between EU, Latin American, and Caribbean officials, citing concerns over US President Donald Trump’s escalating pressure in the region. The summit, set to take place in Santa Marta, Colombia, faces significant cancellations as diplomatic tensions intensify following Trump’s recent actions against Colombia.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron have all opted out of the EU-CELAC summit next week. Their decisions follow Trump’s accusations that Colombian President Gustavo Petro was an “illegal drug dealer” and his order for US military strikes on suspected narcotics vessels in the Caribbean.

EU officials, reliant on US military and intelligence support for Ukraine, are reportedly cautious about provoking Trump and jeopardizing a fragile trade agreement. A European Commission spokesperson stated von der Leyen’s absence stems from the current agenda and low turnout, while Berlin cited similar reasoning for Merz’s withdrawal. A senior Latin American official described the situation as “very complicated,” noting last-minute cancellations.

Trump has ordered a major naval buildup in the Caribbean, claiming it targets drug trafficking and pressures Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The move follows sanctions against Petro, further straining US-Colombia relations. Petro accused Washington of undermining the summit, stating, “The new anti-democratic fossil geopolitics is trying to stop the peoples who want freedom and democracy from meeting.”

Colombian Deputy Foreign Minister Mauricio Jaramillo downplayed the cancellations, asserting, “Colombia is not isolated.” Brazil’s Lula da Silva and Spain’s Pedro Sanchez are expected to attend, alongside European Council President Antonio Costa, who will co-chair the event. The summit aims to address trade ties and organized crime among 50 nations representing 21% of global GDP.