Opening remarks

Dear President,

Honourable Members of the European Parliament, 

Thank you for the opportunity to intervene on the situation in Colombia, following the tragic events of recent days. 

Let me first reiterate the full solidarity of the European Union with Senator Uribe Turbay, and with the people of Colombia.

Last week, I conveyed this message also personally to the Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia of Colombia who was in Brussels for an important bilateral visit. We welcome the commitment of Colombia to bring to justice all those involved in these recent attacks.

We deeply appreciated the presence of the Minister in Brussels at such a delicate time for Colombia. Her visit was an opportunity to launch negotiations between the European Union and Colombia of a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, following the mandate received from the Council in 2023. 

We also agreed to hold the EU-CELAC Ministerial Meeting in the margins of the UN General Assembly in September. This will  prepare the Summit taking place in November in Colombia.

I discussed with Minister Sarabia how to deepen our bilateral cooperation in several areas, including the fight against organised crime and the protection of democracy against disinformation and hate speech. The recent tragic events only strengthen our resolve to intensify efforts in these areas.

As part of these efforts, if the conditions are met and if we are invited by the relevant authorities, the European Union is also ready to consider the deployment of an Electoral Observation Mission to support Colombia in its upcoming general elections.

Minister Sarabia’s visit was also an opportunity to reaffirm the European Union’s continued political and financial commitment to the Colombian Peace Process, including during her meeting with the EU Special Envoy.

The implementation of the 2016 peace agreement remains key for Colombia as a prosperous, peaceful and democratic society. The persistent challenges faced by the country should not darken the historic success achieved with the end of the conflict with the FARC. 

Current challenges should rather intensify efforts to fully implement the 2016 Agreement, to ensure transitional justice and bring socio-economic development to the communities and territories most affected by violence.

Honourable Members, 

In addition to our solidarity with a close and likeminded partner, our support and intense cooperation with Colombia is also extremely important for our own security and interests. 

The EU needs a strong and democratic Colombia as a reliable and likeminded partner on the international stage. This includes in its current capacity as pro-tempore presidency of CELAC and member of the UN Security Council.

We also need a strong and democratic Colombia to address the many common challenges that we face, from migration to climate change to drugs and organised crime. We cannot ignore, for example, that what happens in the most remote areas of the Colombian Amazon has a direct impact on both the security of our cities and the safety of our environment.

Honourable members,

The recent attacks brought back painful memories from Colombia’s most difficult periods. These times must not be allowed to return. 

The European Union will continue to support Colombia in the pursuit of peace, the fight against organised crime and the protection of democracy against extreme polarisation and political violence.

Thank you.

Closing remarks

President, 

Honourable Members,

Thank you for this debate.

Today’s debate was further demonstration of the importance of Colombia as a close and like-minded partner of the European Union. The EU-Colombia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement is under negotiation and it is the best way to enhance this partnership.

And of course today’s debate also highlighted the worries that we have, the importance to support our Colombian partners in the pursuit of peace and the fight against organised crime, as well as in the protection of democracy against political violence and extreme polarisation.

The recent attacks should not lead us to forget or minimise the historic results achieved by Colombia since the signature of the Agreement in 2026. 

They must instead serve as a warning about the persistent challenges faced by the country and remind us of the continued need for international support and solidarity.

As made clear in today’s debate, the European Union has heard the warning and will continue to do its part as a strong and reliable partner to Colombia and its people.

Thank you.