The United States reactivated economic cooperation with Colombia following Congress’s decision to include US$40 million in the federal budget for 2026. The allocation, confirmed by the Embassy of Colombia in Washington, marks a concrete shift after months of uncertainty following the suspension of economic cooperation last year.
The funds will be directed toward ethnic communities, human rights programs, and security cooperation. Washington thus places Colombia back among its assistance priorities in the Western Hemisphere at a time when U.S. foreign policy is reviewing its global commitments and adjusting its spending.
The decision comes weeks after the meeting between Presidents Gustavo Petro and Donald Trump at the White House, an encounter that helped steer deteriorating relations between Colombia and the United States back on course, one year after Trump’s return to the presidency.
US restores economic cooperation for Colombia in 2026 budget
According to official information, a substantial portion of the funds will be allocated to strengthen Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities. The goal is to support productive projects, community-based initiatives, and local development programs in territories historically affected by violence, poverty, and a weak institutional presence.
According to the announcement, the allocation includes US$25 million to support Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities, including grassroots organizations, and US$15 million for projects related to human rights. These funds are part of the National Security Investment Programs approved by the U.S. Congress.
The funds were included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, enacted on Feb. 3. This legislation defines the distribution of resources for various international programs, including those aimed at cooperation and institutional strengthening in Colombia.
“The Embassy of Colombia deeply values and appreciates the strong bipartisan support expressed by the United States Congress for the enduring and strategic relationship between the United States and the people of Colombia,” the Embassy of Colombia in Washington said in a statement published on social media.
Statement on bipartisan support for Colombia in FY2026 SFORPs Appropriations Bill – Comunicado sobre apoyo bipartidista a Colombia en Ley de Asignaciones Presupuestales para Seg. Nacional, Departamento de Estado y Porgramas Relacionados Año FIscal 2026 pic.twitter.com/uzhIRteGOU
— Embassy of Colombia in the United States (@ColombiaEmbUSA) February 24, 2026
Human rights as a priority, without forgetting security and stability
Another portion of the allocation will be focused on human rights programs. According to what was communicated by the embassy, the funds will support initiatives aimed at protecting social leaders, strengthening institutions, and promoting international standards regarding fundamental guarantees.
Cooperation in this area has been a constant pillar of the bilateral relationship. The United States has historically conditioned part of its assistance on verifiable progress in human rights, transparency, and the strengthening of the rule of law. The new allocation maintains that line and reinforces the idea that the aid is not only financial, but also political.
In Colombia, the protection of human rights defenders and community leaders remains a structural challenge. The figures for threats and homicides have been subject to international monitoring. Budgetary support from Washington may translate into prevention programs, training, and technical assistance.
Security cooperation completes the package approved for 2026. Although the statement emphasizes the social and human rights component, the assistance is part of U.S. programs linked to national security and regional stability.
The relationship between the two countries in this area has decades of history. From the fight against drug trafficking to the strengthening of military and police capabilities, security has been the central axis of the bilateral relationship.
The inclusion of resources in the budget confirms that this component remains in force, although with a more balanced discourse between development and territorial control.
With this gesture, Washington once again places Colombia in its traditional position as a strategic partner in Latin America. Security cooperation not only impacts Colombia’s domestic policy, but also U.S. interests related to drug trafficking, migration, and regional stability.
Colombian diplomatic authorities highlighted that the bipartisan — Democratic and Republican — nature of the support reflects consensus within the U.S. Congress on the importance of maintaining the relationship with Colombia. Thus, the backing translates into resources directed both to community programs and institutional initiatives in key areas.