CIAO DATE: 04/2009
January 2009
Institute for Latin American and Iberian Studies at Columbia University
Colombia has been the recipient of the European Union Official Development Aid (ODA) and US foreign aid (military aid and ODA)since the late 1990s. Both international actors have their own particular understanding of the armed conflict, the possible solutions and the role of foreign aid. From one side, the US emphasises military aid and uses ODA in function with security objectives by working closely with the central government and President Uribe. On the other side the EU cautiously develops a common foreign policy to Colombia and insists on civil society participation and local programs in a rather bottom up peace building approach.
Resource link: Peace in Colombia: Can the European Union and the US Collaborate? [PDF] - 257K