The event took place in the coastal city of Santa Marta in northern Colombia, at a time when the US is intensifying military operations targeting ships allegedly carrying narcotics. Against this backdrop, the summit also underscored the importance of dialogue and cooperation over confrontation.
The two-day CELAC–EU Summit, held on November 9–10, was co-chaired by Colombian President Gustavo Petro – whose country currently holds the rotating CELAC presidency – and President of the European Council Antonio Costa. Attended by 12 heads of state, six vice presidents and 23 foreign ministers, the summit featured high-level meetings and business forums connecting the two regions.
In his opening address, Colombian President Gustavo Petro raised concerns about global security amid ongoing conflicts and attacks on vessels, expressing hope that the summit would serve as a “beacon of light amid the darkness of violence”. European Council President Antonio Costa emphasised that in a multipolar world, a multilateral response is essential.
Several leaders highlighted the importance of enhancing trade between the two regions, as well as achieving shared progress in digital connectivity, green transition, social development and artificial intelligence (AI). Aiming to revitalise multilateralism, strengthen cooperation and reinforce regional alliances for the benefit of citizens across both blocs, the event is expected to help consolidate Latin America and the Caribbean’s unified voice on the international stage. It also seeks to promote a joint agenda with the EU on energy transition, health autonomy, regional trade integration and scientific–digital cooperation.
Latin America and the Caribbean currently account for 10% of the EU’s total investment in developing countries. Over the past decade, EU trade in goods with CELAC has grown by more than 52%, while trade in services has nearly doubled. More than one million jobs in the EU are linked to exports to Latin American and Caribbean countries.
During the summit, leaders from both sides acknowledged the strategic importance of agreements aimed at fostering closer economic and trade relations between the two regions while enhancing security and economic prosperity. They agreed to continue taking necessary steps to expand and deepen their network of trade agreements.
The leaders welcomed the development and cooperative potential of the EU–LAC Global Gateway Investment Agenda (GGIA), which allows EU member states and Latin American and Caribbean nations to jointly invest in projects that promote growth in climate transition, environmental protection and energy development.
Both sides aim to leverage the potential of the Global Gateway strategy to strengthen regional energy connectivity in Latin America and the Caribbean, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by energy transition for sustainable and equitable economic growth.
CELAC and EU leaders issued a joint declaration outlining their intention to adopt a roadmap to enhance bilateral cooperation and consolidate political and economic relations. Implementation of this roadmap will promote collaboration in responding to climate change and environmental protection, energy transition, development of regional infrastructure links, as well as boosting trade, sustainable growth and combating transnational organised crime.
The joint declaration reaffirmed that both sides remain committed to the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter – notably the sovereign equality of states, respect for territorial integrity and political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. The leaders also reiterated their commitment to respect, protect and promote all human rights within the digital space.
The partnership between Latin America and the Caribbean and the European Union is built on shared values and a mutual commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Both sides have been working to renew their partnership and cooperate towards peace, security and sustainable development. The joint declaration issued at this summit once again reaffirmed their long-term commitment to cooperation, ensuring a solid foundation for the strategic relationship between the two regions.
