Brazilian officials have confirmed that US threats against Venezuela will be a central topic at a major EU-CELAC summit in Colombia, adding another layer of geopolitical tension to an already fraught event. Brazil’s Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira, explicitly linked President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s surprise attendance to showing “regional solidarity with Venezuela.” This move strategically elevates US President Donald Trump’s threats of military action to a primary summit issue.
Brazilian Ambassador Gisela Padovan further clarified that the topic would “naturally” arise, as the Venezuelan delegation itself will bring it to the floor. She linked the threats against Venezuela to the other major US military action under scrutiny: the recent, deadly boat strikes in the Caribbean. This suggests a coordinated effort by South American leaders to confront what they see as US overreach in the region.
Lula has already taken this diplomatic push directly to the source. He told reporters on Tuesday that during a recent meeting in Malaysia, he personally urged President Trump to de-escalate. Lula advised Trump to follow the “example of former US President George W. Bush,” who participated in diplomatic efforts to “pacify” Venezuela following the 2002 coup attempt, rather than resorting to threats. “I told Trump that Latin America is a region of peace,” Lula stated.
This focus on Venezuela and US threats is converging with the host nation’s own crisis. Colombian President Gustavo Petro is incensed over a separate US military operation targeting alleged drug vessels, which has killed over 60 people, including at least one Colombian. Petro has labeled these deaths “extrajudicial executions,” ensuring the summit will be a flashpoint for anti-interventionist sentiment.
This convergence of security crises is set to completely overshadow the summit’s original goals. While Colombia is pushing for a “Declaration of Santa Marta” on renewable energy and food security, and despite the notable absence of top EU officials like Ursula von der Leyen, the agenda is being rewritten. The key discussions will now inevitably focus on regional sovereignty and a unified stance against US military actions.