Delegation from Colombia aiming to gain support for revision of free-trade agreements in Prague

The aim of the delegation, part of a Europe-wide campaign, is to gain support for revision of free-trade agreement between Colombia and the European Union. The agreements are expected to have serious negative impact on human rights and social development in Colombia.

In general, the agreements are perceived by many actors as a reward for and support of Colombian government responsible for the highest level of trade unionist assassinations worldwide. Evidence (including European Commission’s own analyses) suggests that expanded investment in the sectors of mining and bio-fuels may contribute to further land grabbing by foreign investors and cause forced displacement of mainly indigenous population. Further, the treaties may endanger Colombian government’s spending on social expenditures and industry employment. More specifically, they constitute a possible danger for Colombian dairy industry. Read more about it in the policy brief issued in March as part of the European campaign (PDF, 350 KB).

None of these critiques is bullet-proof, though. For instance, not closing the agreements does not imply the end of support for Columbia provided the current investment and trade regime
- that enables preferential treatment of many Colombian products on the European market - stays in place. Similarly, the question arises whether the improvement in the state of human-rights in Colombia is to happen due to suspension of contacts (sanctions) or rather as a result of their continuation. The latter might be conducive to the transfer of both norms of good governance and respect to human rights.

Glopolis intends to use activities of Colombian delegation in Prague as a starting point of a critical and sober debate to offer an alternative perspective. A perspective much needed for possible revision of the agreements so that they benefit both parties.