EU Affairs
Press release – Colombia: political violence and terrorism threaten democracy, say MEPs
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MEPs demand a thorough investigation into terrorist attacks in Colombia, including the assassination of senator and pre-presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay, stressing that those responsible must be brought to justice. Noting that Uribe Turbay’s killing is not an isolated incident, but part of a wider climate of political intimidation and violence, they express their support for all Colombians who reject violence and corruption, and who continue to demand a future based on democratic principles.
Fight against organised crime and terrorist activity
Parliament points to the proliferation of organised crime and terrorist activity in Colombia’s border regions with Venezuela. These territories have become corridors for drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and money laundering, often facilitated by transnational structures. MEPs warn that this cross-border nexus strengthens Colombian insurgent and dissident groups and threatens regional stability and Colombian sovereignty. In order to reflect the realities on the ground in Colombia, MEPs call on the Council and the High Representative to update the EU’s list of terrorist organisations. They propose to add the Clan del Golfo, FARC dissident groups Segunda Marquetalia and Estado Mayor Central, and the Cartel de los Soles, which provides shelter and logistics support for Colombian armed terrorist groups.
Political polarisation contributes to hate speech and instability
The resolution also addresses rising political polarisation, warning that inflammatory statements from government figures have contributed to hate speech and instability. The Colombian state must act urgently to protect political actors, human rights defenders, journalists, and citizens exercising their democratic rights. In view of the documented rise in political violence against candidates and leaders during 2025, MEPs call for robust security measures to ensure that the upcoming 2026 elections are conducted in a free and safe manner . They add that the fight against impunity is essential to prevent the repetition of attacks and guarantee the exercise of political rights.
EU support for the peace process
Parliament wants the EU to reinforce its political, financial and technical support for Colombia’s peace process, and to reflect this commitment in the next multiannual financial framework.
The resolution was adopted by 355 votes in favour, 173 against and with 15 abstentions.
EU Affairs
Shooting down Russian jets ‘on the table,’ von der Leyen says
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The Commission president’s comment follows an assertion by U.S. President Donald Trump that NATO countries should shoot down Russian jets that violate their airspace.
AI generated Text-to-speech
EU Affairs
Von der Leyen’s messages auto-delete to save space on her phone, Commission says
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The use of disappearing messages is recommended in Commission guidance called “Checklist to Make Your Signal Safer,” from 2022.
“On the one hand, it reduces the risk of leaks and security breaches, which is of course an important factor,” Commission spokesperson Balazs Ujvari said. “And also, it’s a question of space on the phone — so, effective use of a mobile device.”
“The president has been complying with these internal guidelines and is using the disappearing message feature, which explains why we could not retrieve any such SMSs.”
He added: “SMSs may have to be registered under certain circumstances — for example, if there is a need to follow up, if there’s an administrative or legal impact.”
In the case of Macron’s message, the Commission concluded that it didn’t meet that threshold. That decision was made by von der Leyen’s powerful head of cabinet, Bjoern Seibert.
“He was one of the actors taking part in this discussion,” Ujvari said. “The President assessed the SMS with her Head of Cabinet and relevant services within the Commission.”
This isn’t the first time von der Leyen’s phone habits have raised eyebrows. Her text exchanges with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla over Covid vaccine contracts were never archived — prompting an ongoing Ombudsman investigation dubbed “Pfizergate.”
EU Affairs
Jailed mayor urges EU to halt Bulgaria’s slide toward authoritarianism
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The European Commission president’s trip comes on the heels of an announcement by Germany’s Rheinmetall that it plans two new factories in Bulgaria, making the country Europe’s largest gunpowder manufacturer.
Aug 31
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