The meeting in Santa Marta will become a key forum for redefining economic and technological relations between Latin America, the Caribbean, and the European Union. This year’s edition will focus on how the two regions can join forces to accelerate decarbonization, develop clean energy infrastructure, and adopt artificial intelligence-based technologies that boost productivity and sustainability.
The summit takes place in a global context marked by trade tensions and energy crises. Europe is seeking to reduce its dependence on Russian gas and Asian manufacturing, while Latin America is emerging as a supplier of green energy, critical minerals, and digital talent.
In Europe, imports of liquefied natural gas grew by 23.6% in the first half of 2025, while global LNG trade reached 555 billion cubic meters (Bcm), its eleventh consecutive year of expansion.
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“Our region can become a reliable energy partner for Europe, offering clean and flexible energy that helps stabilize electricity grids and support the expansion of renewables,” said Luz Stella Murgas, president of Naturgás.
The leader explained that natural gas will continue to be the most efficient energy source to support the transition, while technologies such as biomethane and carbon capture and storage (CCUS) advance, enabling emissions to be reduced and the industry to evolve towards becoming cleaner.
For the European Union, Latin America is a strategic partner that provides what the continent needs:
Competitive renewable energies (hydroelectric, solar, wind, and biomass).
Critical minerals such as lithium, copper, and nickel for batteries and electric mobility.
Environmental services and carbon sinks to meet climate goals.
Young, bilingual digital talent capable of sustaining technological development.
In return, Europe offers financing, technology, and advanced regulations that can accelerate energy and digital projects in the region.
Paneles solares Foto:MinEnergía.
In Colombia’s case, the energy transition and the technological revolution are intertwined in a dual opportunity: ensuring energy security and attracting investment in innovation.
“Colombia has the potential to become an energy and technology hub in the hemisphere,” said Murgas. “Our natural gas projects in the Caribbean and advances in biogas, biomethane, and carbon capture can connect with European demand for clean energy. At the same time, we can develop sustainable data centers powered by renewable energy.”
With an energy matrix where more than 60% comes from renewable sources, the country can offer Europe an ideal environment for installing low-carbon digital infrastructure.
AI and cooperation
Artificial intelligence (AI) is another central theme of the summit. For Víctor Muñoz, an expert in digital transformation, this technology represents a new frontier for bi-regional cooperation.
Latin America and Europe can work together to build ethical and sustainable AI. Colombia, thanks to its location and clean energy matrix, can become a hub for green data centers that support regional digital services.
Muñoz also highlighted the need to strengthen the development of language models trained in Spanish and indigenous languages, an opportunity for the region to contribute culturally diverse data and develop more inclusive and representative AI, in partnership with European universities and institutes.
With the help of artificial intelligence, companies want to prevent this type of fraud. Foto:iStock
Critical minerals for the energy transition.
Exportable green energy (hydrogen, solar, wind).
Natural carbon sinks.
Competitive technological talent to accelerate digitalization.
“Colombia is a strategic country,” says Stella. “Its biodiversity makes it a unique laboratory for applying artificial intelligence in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and climate change. In addition, its geographical position and leadership in green hydrogen consolidate it as a reliable partner.”
According to expert Andrés Zuluaga, a new model of cooperation must be established, where energy and technology act as complementary axes.
“If Latin America manages to combine clean energy with applied artificial intelligence, it will be able to attract investment, generate employment, and position itself as a global provider of sustainable innovation.”
Zuluaga believes that the key lies in building a bi-regional green and digital corridor, with the participation of companies, universities, and governments, financed under European Union mechanisms.
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