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EU Leaders Withdraw from Summit Amid Tensions with Colombia and Trump Sanctions
European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Friedrich Merz, are withdrawing from a summit in Colombia following Donald Trumps sanctions against the Colombian government, escalating tensions in the region.
- European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced their withdrawal from the summit in Santa Marta, Colombia, scheduled for next week.
- The withdrawal is a direct response to Donald Trumps recent sanctions against Colombia, where he labeled Colombian President Gustavo Petro an illegal drug dealer.
- The summit was intended to strengthen ties between the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Venezuela.
Why It Matters
This event underscores the growing rift between the European Union and the United States regarding Latin America, particularly in light of drug trafficking concerns and political stability in Colombia. It reflects broader geopolitical dynamics that could influence international relations in the region.