Venezuela: Statement by the High Representative on the aftermath of the U.S. intervention in Venezuela

This statement is supported by 26 EU Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden).

The European Union calls for calm and restraint by all actors, to avoid escalation and to ensure a peaceful solution to the crisis.

The EU recalls that, under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be upheld. Members of the United Nations Security Council have a particular responsibility to uphold those principles, as a pillar of the international security architecture.

The EU has repeatedly stated that Nicolás Maduro lacks the legitimacy of a democratically elected president and has advocated for a Venezuelan-led peaceful transition to democracy in the country, respectful of its sovereignty. The right of the Venezuelan people to determine their future must be respected.

The EU shares the priority of combating transnational organised crime and drug trafficking, which pose a significant security threat worldwide. At the same time, the EU stresses that these challenges must be addressed through sustained cooperation in full respect of international law and the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty.

We are in close contact with the United States, as well as regional and international partners to support and facilitate dialogue with all parties involved, leading to a negotiated, democratic, inclusive and peaceful solution to the crisis, led by Venezuelans.

Respecting the will of the Venezuelan people remains the only way for Venezuela to restore democracy and resolve the current crisis.

At this critical time, it is essential that all actors fully respect human rights and international humanitarian law. All political prisoners currently detained in Venezuela must be unconditionally released.

EU Member States’ consular authorities are working in close coordination in order to protect the safety of EU citizens, including those illegally detained in Venezuela.