Resolution on the situation in Colombia after the wave of recent terrorist attacks

The European Parliament adopted by 355 votes to 173, with 15 abstentions, a resolution on the situation in Colombia after the wave of recent terrorist attacks.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, ECR and Renew groups.

Despite the 2016 Peace Agreement, the current escalation of violence and terrorist attacks is alarming and is linked to illegal armed groups such as the ELN (National Liberation Army) and the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) dissidents. These groups profit from drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, illegal mining and cross-border smuggling, using this revenue to finance terrorism and attacks against the civilian population, and employing increasingly sophisticated methods such as explosive-laden drones.

Parliament condemns this violence in the strongest possible terms as well as the assassination of Colombian Senator and pre-presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay. It called on the authorities to investigate these terrorist attacks, including the assassination of Miguel Uribe Turbay, to the fullest extent possible so that the perpetrators can be brought to justice.

In addition, Parliament noted the proliferation and consolidation of organised crime and indiscriminate terrorist group activities in Colombia’s regions bordering Venezuela. This cross-border nexus not only fuels terrorism and strengthens Colombian insurgent and dissident groups, but also poses a direct threat to regional stability, democratic governance and Colombia’s sovereignty.

Against this background, the resolution urged the Colombian authorities to:

- investigate cartel financing and prosecute collaborators within Colombia, in particular by following and disrupting the transnational financial flows used by cartels that move through banks, gold mining and front companies, modernise surveillance and intensify counter-drug operations, and enhance regional cooperation and shared intelligence mechanisms;

- prevent the escalation of the violence, by increasing security measures and refraining from exacerbating the polarisation in the country through inflammatory statements;

- protect political actors, public figures, human rights defenders, journalists and all citizens exercising their democratic rights;

- ensure transparent communication from institutions, adequate resourcing of the electoral authorities, and robust security measures to ensure that the upcoming 2026 elections are conducted in a free and safe manner.

Members also expressed their concern at the persistence of impunity and obstacles to accessing justice in cases of serious human rights violations and abuses.

Lastly, Parliament called on the EU to reinforce its political, financial and technical support for Colombia’s peace process, and to reflect this commitment in the next multiannual financial framework.