European Parliament Urges Colombia to Recognize 'Cartel de los Soles' as Terrorist Group

European Parliament Urges Colombia to Recognize "Cartel de los Soles" as Terrorist Group

The European Parliament has recently passed a significant resolution, calling on the European Union to officially classify the "Cartel de los Soles" as a terrorist organization. This move is particularly impactful as it also directly urges the Colombian government, led by President Gustavo Petro, to formally acknowledge the existence and terrorist nature of this group. The resolution places considerable international pressure on Colombia to align its stance with the international community regarding this alleged criminal network.

Understanding the "Cartel de los Soles"

The "Cartel de los Soles," or "Cartel of the Suns," is widely understood to be a major drug trafficking organization operating primarily within Venezuela. It is frequently associated with high-ranking officials within the Venezuelan military and government, who are alleged to use their positions to facilitate drug shipments, particularly cocaine, to international markets. The group's activities have been a source of concern for several years, drawing attention from international law enforcement agencies due to its reported scale and deep-seated connections.

Implications for President Petro's Government

This European parliamentary resolution creates a notable challenge for President Petro's administration in Colombia. Petro has championed a "total peace" policy aimed at negotiating with various armed groups and criminal organizations within the country to reduce violence and find pathways to stability. The European Parliament's demand for Colombia to designate "Cartel de los Soles" as terrorist could complicate this strategy, especially if there are perceived overlaps or diplomatic sensitivities with neighboring Venezuela.

Furthermore, the resolution reportedly includes criticism of what it terms "incendiary words" from the Petro government, suggesting a broader concern within Europe about Colombia's approach to internal and regional security matters. Such criticisms can affect Colombia's diplomatic standing and its relationship with key international partners.

Growing International Consensus

The European Union's potential designation of the "Cartel de los Soles" would align it with other significant international actors. Countries such as the United States, Ecuador, and Argentina have already taken steps to designate or recognize the serious criminal nature of this group, often linking it to terrorism or significant transnational organized crime. This growing consensus among various nations highlights the international community's concern over the group's activities and its destabilizing impact on the region.

The combined weight of these international bodies and nations puts increasing pressure on all governments in the region to address the challenges posed by such organizations effectively.

What happens next

Following the European Parliament's resolution, the next steps will involve the European Union's internal processes to formally include the "Cartel de los Soles" on its list of terrorist organizations. Simultaneously, the Colombian government under President Petro will face increased diplomatic scrutiny and internal debate on how to respond to this international demand. This could lead to a reassessment of its current security policies, particularly concerning its relationship with Venezuela and its "total peace" agenda. The situation will continue to evolve as both the EU and Colombia navigate these complex geopolitical and security considerations.