EU and Latin American leaders agree on multilateral agenda

Leaders from the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States concluded the CELAC‑EU summit in Santa Marta with a 52‑point declaration stressing multilateralism and coordinated responses to global challenges, including climate change, technological transition, and conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Gaza. Colombian President Gustavo Petro, presiding as CELAC pro‑tempore, said the agreement showed diverse nations can find common solutions; European Council President António Costa and EU foreign policy officials underscored the role of dialogue in confronting rising geopolitical tensions.

The final document urged reform of the UN Security Council, respect for international law and reductions in trade frictions, while calling for accelerated renewable‑energy deployment, stronger environmental safeguards, and measures to advance technological sovereignty. Delegations emphasised the need for a “triple transition” — energy, digitalisation and sustainable development — and promoted diversification of trade and investment ties amid growing supply‑chain fragmentation and great‑power competition. Participants framed Latin America and the Caribbean as strategic partners for the EU rather than mere spheres of influence.

Summit discussions warned of deepening global fractures: European representatives described Russia’s war in Ukraine as an existential threat and stressed solidarity and strategic autonomy, while several Latin American leaders denounced the coercive use of economic and military power by major states and called for multilateral forums to be strengthened rather than bypassed. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reiterated concerns about breaches of international norms and urged collective responses.

No major trade or investment package was unveiled, but delegates said the summit set the groundwork for a 2025–2027 Iberian‑Atlantic Roadmap intended to translate declarations into concrete projects. Colombia’s Petro advocated an “Atlantic bridge of cooperation” prioritising people and the planet over geopolitical rivalry, and EU officials affirmed commitments to joint projects on energy, digitalisation and climate resilience.

The summit took place amid the absence of several regional leaders and was framed by organisers as occurring during one of the most complex geopolitical moments in recent memory. While the closing declaration signalled diplomatic unity and a shared agenda, leaders acknowledged that the real test will be converting broad commitments into measurable actions as multilateral institutions face pressure from nationalism, protectionism and heightened geopolitical competition.