If the days leading up to the CELAC-European Union summit, held on Sunday in Santa Marta, Colombia, appear dull due to a series of conspicuous absences, its final declaration, signed by representatives of 58 of the 60 countries belonging to the two blocs – the equivalent of one in every four countries in the world – reminds us that the transatlantic relationship covers all kinds of issues, from climate change to digital life. Amidst the wide range of agreements specified in the 52 points of the document, which neither Venezuela nor Nicaragua have signed, the following messages stand out:
1. Defending pluralism
Point 4, the first to come into effect, says: “We are guided by the desire to deepen the historical ties that unite us, at a time when multilateralism is being called into question around the world.” “We renew the strategic importance of the relationship between the two regions on the basis of (…) multilateralism and international cooperation,” points No. 5 below.
2. Criticize Trump without naming him
The President of the United States is the main hero in the final document of a summit to which he was not invited, where disapproval of many of his actions or policies appears at various points, without his name. “We reiterate our commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system, based on international law, that is open, transparent, inclusive, non-discriminatory and predictable,” Point 26, defending the reversal of Republicans’ tariff policy, said. “We highlight the importance of moving forward together in reducing trade tensions,” asserts Point 28. “We recognize the need to maintain the neutrality of the Panama Canal,” notes Point 11, referring to the first country in which Trump has directly threatened to intervene. “We agree on the importance of strengthening our cooperation in migration management, including returns, and recall our commitment to deepening cooperation and dialogue on migration and mobility in a comprehensive manner,” says Point 47, in another example of such arrows.
3. Concern about attacks on alleged drug boats
“We reiterate our opposition to the threat or use of force and to any action inconsistent with international law and the Charter of the United Nations,” is a general reference in point 8. Two paragraphs later, the reference to the 20 missile attacks becomes clear. “We address the importance of maritime security and regional stability in the Caribbean region. We agree on the importance of international cooperation, mutual respect and full compliance with international law, including in the fight against transnational organized crime and illicit drug trafficking. Several GRULAC member states highlighted their national positions regarding the situation in the Caribbean and Pacific region.”
4. Questions for Venezuela
“We reiterate our firm commitment to democracy, including the holding of free, inclusive, transparent and credible elections,” Point 6 says, in a not-so-veiled reference to the July 2024 elections, in which Nicolas Maduro declared himself the winner without showing any evidence of that outcome. In fact, the Bolivarian Republic “distanced” itself from the entire declaration.
5. Reform of the United Nations and the financial system
“We underscore the need to strengthen the multilateral system, with the United Nations at its heart, and to promote more effective, inclusive, transparent and democratic global governance,” points 19 in general terms, which are then developed in more detail. “We support comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to make it more representative, inclusive and democratic, and better reflect current realities by strengthening the voice of underrepresented regions,” point 20 begins. Later, in point 25, they agreed to “promote fairer, more inclusive and effective international financial institutions.”
6. Betting on peace in Gaza and Ukraine
Point 14 says: “We reiterate our deep concern about the ongoing war against Ukraine, which continues to cause enormous human suffering.” Point 15 addresses the other major conflict: “We recognize the agreement reached on the first phase of the comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza, as well as the outcomes of the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit (…). We reiterate our firm commitment to comprehensive, just and lasting peace, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, on the basis of the two-state solution.”
7. Alert to false information
“We recognize the need to address and combat disinformation and misinformation, as well as hate speech, including that which perpetuates gender-based violence and discrimination, particularly in digital environments,” point 44 states.
8. The Convention to Combat Climate Change
“We recognize the impacts of climate change on all countries, especially vulnerable developing countries, in particular the least developed countries, small island developing states, landlocked developing countries and other categories of vulnerable developing countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, and recognize the need for urgent action to scale up adaptation,” point 30 notes. The following keeps the focus on the global problem: “We recognize the need for significant, rapid and sustainable reductions in the greenhouse effect of gas emissions, in line with the 1.5°C pathway.
9. Support the alternative point of view on drugs
“We recognize that the world drug problem requires a joint response based on the principle of public and shared responsibility, through a balanced, comprehensive, integrated and evidence-based approach,” points 38.
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