Disagreements over the level of condemnation of Russia for its war in Ukraine have revealed certain rifts between the EU and the CELAC (Commonwealth of Latin American and Caribbean) countries. After weeks of intense negotiations between the teams and after a two-day summit to strengthen ties after an eight-year hiatus, leaders failed to agree on a unanimous position to oppose the large-scale invasion launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Nicaragua, with ties to the Kremlin and an autocratic history of gross human rights abuses, blocked attempts to include references to full condemnation and sought to sabotage the statement. But she was left alone. The rest, a total of 59 countries, signed a somewhat watered-down memo on Tuesday, not mentioning Russia but the war against Ukraine. “We left feeling that we had done our duty,” said European Council President Charles Michel.
Russia’s war against Ukraine was not the main theme of a summit aimed at revitalizing political and commercial ties between the two continents, but it has ultimately emerged as a key element. It has made it clear that the EU and Latin America are at two different points regarding the invasion, its resolution and its impact. It has also shown that while others like Cuba and Venezuela have huddled without opposing the explanation, Nicaragua is increasingly isolated. Shortly before the meeting in Brussels, the victims of the Daniel Ortega regime called on Latin American and European leaders to join forces to increase pressure on Managua.
“We are concerned about the war in Ukraine. “The countries of Latin America have stressed that we want to work together to achieve peace,” Argentine President Alberto Fernández said at a press conference at the end of the summit, along with his Saint Vincent and Grenadines counterpart, Ralph Gosalves. holding the interim presidencies of Celac, Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The President of the Spanish government, Pedro Sánchez, who holds the biannual EU Presidency, was absent just six days before the conference elections to attend an election rally.
For Celac, a highly diverse group of 33 countries with no organizational structure, signing a closing statement was not essential. But for the EU yes. And this was underlined during Tuesday’s plenary session by the heads of the Community institutions and also by the President of Spain. In the end, the situation was saved by drafting a consensus statement without Nicaragua.
“We express our deep concern at the ongoing war against Ukraine, which continues to cause immense human suffering,” the statement said, “and exacerbates existing vulnerabilities in the global economy, constraining growth, raising inflation, disrupting supply chains and increases energy and food insecurity and increases risks to financial stability,” the text continues, emphasizing support for “the need for a just and sustainable peace.”
The Twenty-Seven – who in part wanted to bring the Americas closer to supporting Ukraine – therefore lowered their usual language. Something that does not satisfy all Europeans either. “Don’t be seduced by Russian propaganda,” Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda claimed on his social media after speaking at the meeting. “Russia is not the victim but the aggressor. “Ukraine defends its right to freedom, but also the rules-based international order,” he added. “Our partners are clear and realistic about the nature of this war and its consequences, whether in the agri-food sector or beyond,” said French President Emmanuel Macron, who acknowledged that the statement does not go as far as usual.
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Most CELAC countries supported the UN resolution calling for a “cessation of hostilities” in Ukraine in the early stages of the war. Nicaragua then voted against, while Bolivia, Cuba and El Salvador abstained. However, it was impossible to get a total rejection of the invasion, which has global implications, and the mention of Russia. Additionally, Celac’s lack of structure has complicated and slowed down negotiations, community sources said. They have found a common language that highlights the “incalculable suffering” that the European slave trade has inflicted on millions of people. After days of debate, the statement also pointed to the need for redress for this “crime against humanity.”
economic and trade relations
There were other sticking points on the table. In particular for Brazil, which wanted more clarity and commitment in financing actions against the climate crisis and the inclusion of indications against extractivism of raw materials. Lula has maintained a neutral stance on Ukraine and criticized the defense industry’s impact on the climate crisis at Monday’s summit economic forum. “The war in the heart of Europe is throwing a blanket of insecurity over the world and misusing resources that were vital to economic and social programs for war purposes,” he said. “The arms race makes tackling climate change even more difficult,” he added.
The leaders have agreed to hold summits every two years – the next date is expected to be in Colombia in 2025, EL PAÍS announced – as well as a full schedule of events and meetings. The summit was the center of trade talks, where Latin American leaders like Fernández and Lula da Silva have warned the EU that they will not accept extractivist policies, but rather fair and value-added policies on a resource-rich continent at a time when Europe is looking for new, reliable partners and must not lose ground to China.
The European Commission, with its Global Gateway tool, has pledged a €45,000 million investment in the region through European funds from some Member States, investment banks and private entities. In addition, he presented a whole range of 130 projects to invest in the region and thus encourage European participation. “It was an excellent summit that felt like a fresh start for old friends. we need each other “In times of great geopolitical changes, we have to get closer to each other,” von der Leyen assured. “It’s not just about how much we invest, but also how we invest. We want our investment to be made with the highest environmental standards, with transparency, with technology and shared knowledge, and with training for the workforce.”
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