The official statement by the High Representative on the aftermath of the US intervention in Venezuela, issued on Sunday, 4 January night, calls for calm and restraint by all actors. The document stresses that the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be upheld. It is suported by all member states with the exception of Hungary.
The document, signed by Kaja Kallas, EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security, calls for deescalation and for a peaceful solution to the Venezuela crisis. It recalls that the EU has repeatedly stated that Nicolás Maduro lacks the legitimacy of a democratically elected president. The document also mentions that the EU has advocated for a Venezuelan-led peaceful transition to democracy in the country, respectful of its sovereignty.
These challenges must be addressed through sustained cooperation in full respect of international law and the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty. — EU’s official statement on Venezuelan crisis
Though the document mentions “the priority of combating transnational organised crime and drug trafficking, which pose a significant security threat worldwide,” it also stresses the importance of international law. “These challenges must be addressed through sustained cooperation in full respect of international law and the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty,” the statement reads.
“Respecting the will of the Venezuelan people remains the only way for Venezuela to restore democracy and resolve the current crisis,” EU’s High Representative writes.
Variety of voices from EU capitals
The carefully worded document reflects the different views expressed by various member states’ leaders on the Venezuelan crisis. Hungary was the only member state that did not support the document. Budapest thus acted similarly to previous cases that concerned sanctions against Russia or military assistance to Ukraine.
Over the weekend, leaders of various EU member states issued sometimes vague, and often contradictory statements on Venezuela. As an example, Spanish Minister Pedro Sánchez unequivocally rejected the US attack which ousted Nicolás Maduro. Mr Sánchez called it “a breach of international law”. On the contrary, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that legal assessment of the US intervention is “complex and requires careful consideration”.
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Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni suggested that the intervention was “legitimate” as Caracas allegedly promoted drug trafficking. Ms Meloni is seen as ideologically aligned with US President Donald Trump. She, however, added that “external military action is not the path to end totalitarian regimes”.
