If the day before this Sunday’s CELAC-EU summit in Santa Marta, Colombia, seemed lackluster due to conspicuous absences, the final declaration signed by representatives of 58 of the 60 countries in both blocs (representing one in four countries in the world) is a reminder that the transatlantic relationship covers all kinds of issues, from climate change to digital life. Among the wide repertoire of agreements enshrined in the document’s 52 articles, to which neither Venezuela nor Nicaragua has signed, the following message stands out:
1. Defending multilateralism
“At a time when multilateralism is being questioned around the world, we are guided by a desire to deepen the historical bonds that unite us,” states the first impact point number four. “We (…) reaffirm the strategic importance of bi-regional relations based on multilateralism and international cooperation,” as stated in point 5 below.
2. Criticize Trump without naming him
The US president is the protagonist of the final document of the summit, to which he was not invited. This is because rejection of some of the president’s actions and policies is expressed in various places without the president’s name. “We reiterate our commitment to an open, transparent, inclusive, non-discriminatory, predictable, and rules-based multilateral trading system based on international law,” Issue 26 states in defense of Republicans’ opposition to tariff policy. “We emphasize the importance of moving forward together to reduce trade tensions,” underscoring Issue 28. “We recognize the need to maintain the neutrality of the Panama Canal,” notes Point 11, referring to the first country that President Trump threatened to directly intervene with. “We agree on the importance of strengthening cooperation in migration management, including return processes, and remember our commitment to deepening cooperation and dialogue on migration and mobility in an inclusive manner,” another example of these darts states in point 47.
3. Concerns about attacks on drug-trafficking ships
“We reiterate our opposition to the threat or use of force, as well as to any action inconsistent with international law and the Charter of the United Nations,” is the general reference of point 8. The reference to 20 missile attacks two paragraphs later is clear. “We commit to the importance of maritime security and regional stability in the Caribbean. We agree on the relevance of international cooperation, mutual respect and full compliance with international law, including in the fight against transnational organized crime and illicit drug trafficking. Several CELAC member states underlined their positions on the situation in the Caribbean and Pacific.”
4. Questions for Venezuela
“We reiterate our unwavering commitment to democracy, including free, inclusive, transparent and credible elections,” Issue 6 says in an unconcealed reference to the July 2024 elections, in which President Nicolas Maduro has declared himself the winner without providing evidence of the results. In fact, the Bolivarian Republic “withdrew” from the entire Declaration.
5. United Nations and financial system reform
“We emphasize the need to strengthen the multilateral system, with the United Nations at its core, and to promote more effective, inclusive, transparent and democratic global governance,” he said, pointing out 19 general points and then expanding on them in more detail. “We support comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to make it more representative, inclusive and democratic, and to better reflect current realities by strengthening the voice of underrepresented regions,” begins Issue 20. Then, in Issue 25, the two countries agree to “promote fairer, more inclusive and effective international financial institutions.”
6. Bet on peace in Gaza and Ukraine
“We reiterate our deep concern about the ongoing war with Ukraine, which continues to cause untold human suffering,” Issue 14 states. Issue 15 deals with other major conflicts: “We recognize the agreement on the first phase of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Conflict in Gaza and the outcome of the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit (…) We reiterate our firm commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the Gaza Council.” United Nations security based on a two-state solution. ”
7. Warning against incorrect information
“We recognize the need to address and counter disinformation, misinformation and hate speech, including those that perpetuate gender-based violence and discrimination, especially in the digital environment,” Point 44 reads.
8. Agreement to fight climate change
“We recognize the impacts of climate change on all countries, especially on vulnerable developing countries, least developed countries, small island developing States, landlocked developing States, 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 points out. The following continues to focus on global issues: “We recognize the need for significant, rapid and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in line with the 1.5°C rise” trajectory.
9. Supporting alternative views on drugs
“We recognize that the world’s drug problem requires a collective response, based on the principle of shared responsibility, through a balanced, comprehensive, integrated and evidence-based approach,” points 38.
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