The European Parliament adopted by 553 votes to 77, with 60 abstentions, a resolution on the fifth anniversary of the Peace Agreement in Colombia.
In November 2021, Colombia will mark the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Final Agreement to End the Armed Conflict and Build a Stable and Lasting Peace between the Government of Colombia led by President Juan Manuel Santos and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP), which put an end to a conflict of more than 50 years and represents a significant step in the construction of a stable and lasting peace in the country.
Parliament reiterated its support for the Peace Agreement in Colombia and its readiness to continue providing all possible political and financial assistance to support the comprehensive implementation of the Peace Agreement.
Despite efforts, Parliament condemned the killings and the violence against human rights defenders, former FARC combatants and social and indigenous leaders. The persistent violence caused mainly by illegal armed groups, drug related organised crime and illegal mining, is one of the major challenges in Colombia.
The need for urgent measures is stressed to increase protection.
The Commission and the European Council is called on to redouble political and financial support to Colombia within the framework of the new cooperation instruments during the new budget period.
Parliament stressed that the successful implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement, as a contribution to global peace and stability, will continue to be a key priority of reinforced bilateral relations through the Memorandum of Understanding approved by the Council last January. It encouraged further cooperation between the EU and Colombia so as to enhance the livelihood of Colombian and EU citizens alike through enhancing synergies between the EU-Colombia Trade Partnership and the Peace Agreement.