Strasbourg, France – The European Parliament has officially designated FARC dissidents, the National Liberation Army (ELN), and the Cartel de los Soles as terrorist organizations. The resolution, adopted with 355 votes in favor, 153 against, and 15 abstentions, signals a stronger stance against groups fueling Colombia's escalating violence and massacres.
This designation is intended to enhance international cooperation in combating these entities, which are involved in illicit activities such as drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and money laundering. The Cartel de los Soles, identified by the U.S. Treasury as a Venezuela-based criminal group allegedly linked to President Nicolas Maduro, is accused of providing material support to terrorist organizations and destabilizing regional security. The U.S. has previously designated groups like Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, reflecting a broader global effort against narco-terrorism.
However, the decision has sparked debate regarding its potential impact on ongoing peace negotiations in Colombia. Vincent Vaillies, coordinator of the European network OIDHACO, expressed concern that the designation could hinder future dialogue, referencing past EU hesitations to support FARC talks due to their prior terrorist listing. Similarly, Jesús Albeiro Parra, coordinator of the Regional Coordination of the Colombian Pacific (CRPC), criticized the timing, calling it hypocritical and warning that a halt in negotiations would intensify conflict for affected communities.
Analysts suggest that labeling these groups as terrorists could complicate existing peace efforts in Colombia, highlighting the delicate balance between security measures and conflict resolution. Historically, the EU has supported Colombia's peace process, including suspending the FARC from its terrorist list after the 2016 peace agreement to aid post-conflict programs. The U.S. also revoked its FARC designation in November 2021, though it simultaneously designated FARC splinter groups that rejected the accord. This new European Parliament resolution signifies a shift, prioritizing counter-terrorism in response to the evolving security landscape, despite substantial past EU financial and political support for Colombia's peace process.