EU announces new cooperation projects in Colombia

During his visit to Colombia on Wednesday, High Representative/Vice President (HR/VP) Josep Borrell announced five new projects worth €26.5 million, to which additional funding from EU Member States will be added. These projects aim to support Colombia’s green transition, combat climate change, and promote peace in the country.

The first project is focused on the green transition and combating climate change. Currently, Colombia loses nearly 200,000 hectares of forest every year, which is unsustainable for both the country and the world. President Petro’s government aims to reduce deforestation by 20% per year, and the EU wants to support this goal. To help, the EU announced new budget support of €10.5 million. This project adds to the 15 other ongoing green projects worth €32.8 million.

The EU recognises Colombia’s significant efforts in hosting a large number of migrants, particularly the 2.6 million Venezuelans and returnees. This week, the EU announced a new project worth €10 million that will help support socio-economic integration of the migrant population as well as the economic empowerment of host communities. Currently, there are EU projects worth €58 million underway to support migrants.

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In addition, two other projects worth €2 million and €3.8 million respectively, will support peace in Colombia. The first project will help fund the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), and the second will aid victims of the armed conflict and gender-based violence.

Finally, the European Commission is providing €200,000 in humanitarian assistance for communities living near the Nevado del Ruiz volcano. The volcano is currently at orange alert, and the package aims to help these communities prepare for any potential natural disasters.

More information: External Action of the European Union