(MENAFN) Several European leaders have decided not to participate in a forthcoming gathering of EU, Latin American, and Caribbean officials, citing worries that their presence might provoke US President Donald Trump, Financial Times has reported.

The summit occurs shortly after Trump implemented sanctions and authorized military actions against Colombia, the event’s host nation.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron have all chosen to skip the EU-CELAC summit scheduled next week in Santa Marta.

These decisions follow Trump’s allegation that Colombian President Gustavo Petro is an “illegal drug dealer” and his directive for US strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean.

EU representatives, who continue to depend on American military and intelligence assistance for Ukraine, are reportedly “wary of upsetting Trump” and potentially endangering a delicate trade agreement reached earlier this summer, according to the FT on Monday.

A spokesperson for the European Commission explained that von der Leyen’s absence is due to the current agenda and low expected participation.

Berlin gave comparable reasons for Merz’s decision, while the Elysee Palace confirmed Macron’s nonattendance without offering further details. A senior Latin American official told the FT that the summit is facing “last-minute cancellations,” describing the situation as “very complicated.”

Another media outlet additionally reported, citing sources familiar with the planning, that only five European leaders and three Latin American and Caribbean leaders have confirmed their attendance.

In the Caribbean, Trump has ordered a major naval expansion, stating it is intended to combat drug trafficking and exert pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

This action follows last month’s sanctions against Petro, intensifying an already strained US-Colombia relationship.

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