Ferrero-waldner visits colombia and announces a €160 million aid package

The European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner , will make her first official visit to Colombia on 16-17 April to meet senior government officials and present the European Commission's new strategy for cooperation with Colombia. The planned aid for 2007-2013, over €160 million, will be granted mainly through peace and stability initiatives, including alternative development. The strategy also includes a new economic cooperation line to boost competitiveness in the country.

Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner said before her visit: "On my first visit to Colombia as a European Commissioner I wish to reiterate our support for the Colombian government in its quest for peace. We will continue to work together on issues of common interest such as the fight against drugs and drug trafficking and respect for human rights. I also believe that it is essential to continue to create forums for dialogue on other issues such as regional integration, competitiveness, innovation and social cohesion."

The Commissioner will meet the President of Colombia, Alvaro Uribe Vélez, the foreign minister, Fernando Araújo, and other senior members of the government in Bogotá on Tuesday 17 April. During her visit she will also meet chairmen of European companies in Colombia.

Ms Ferrero-Waldner will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Colombian government whereby both parties will undertake to cooperate in the coming years in three priority areas:

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  Peace and stability, including alternative development (70% of funds). This is the main area of cooperation, aimed at consolidating peace initiatives, reinforcing institutional capacities and promoting sustainable development in various regions of the country.
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  Rule of law, justice and human rights (20% of funds). The aim is to reinforce the response capacity of the Colombian judicial system and support the efforts of the government and civil society in the area of human rights.
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  Productivity, competitiveness and trade (10% of funds). A new type of cooperation with Colombia aimed at increasing its capacity to integrate in a globalised economy through enhanced competitiveness, better commercialisation and the opening up of national and international markets for locally manufactured Colombian products.

These priorities will be reviewed in 2010. Of the €160 million assigned, 65% (€104 million) will be assigned in 2007-2010 and 35% (€56 million) in 2011-2013.

With regard to the new cooperation strategy for Colombia, Ms Ferrero-Waldner added: " My intention is to reinforce the EU's presence and interest in Colombia and we have therefore decided to step up our cooperation with this country. We will collaborate closely with the government and civil society to strengthen peace initiatives and foster local and alternative development, support for victims and social cohesion. "

During her visit, Benita Ferrero-Waldner will confirm the funds to be granted for financing the 3rd Peace Laboratory, which will cover 33 municipalities in the Meta department and the Montes de María region in the north of Colombia. €30.2 million will be invested in this initiative over 5 years, €24.2 million of which will be provided by the European Commission. This 3rd Peace Laboratory will continue the work begun by the 1st and 2nd Peace Laboratories since 2002, for which total EU aid of almost €68 million was provided.

In addition, the Commissioner will announce the start of the activities to be carried out under an agreement recently signed by the European Commission and the Colombian authorities. The Commission will allocate €12 million for the reintegration and relocation of uprooted people in Colombia, including displaced persons, refugees and communities hosting demobilised soldiers. €5.5 million of these €12 million will be allocated to the Council for Social Reintegration ( Alta Consejería para la Reinserción).

In her first visit to Colombia, Benita Ferrero-Waldner will highlight the importance of strengthening the Andean Community in preparation for the forthcoming negotiations on the EU-Andean Community Association Agreement. This agreement will provide an opportunity to develop still closer links between the two regions.

More information at:

http://ec.europa.eu/comm/external_relations/colombia/intro/index.htm