EU says US actions in Venezuela might lead toward democratic transition

(MENAFN) European Union officials said on Monday that the recent US military operation in Venezuela has opened what they described as a potential path toward a democratic transition shaped by Venezuelans themselves, while emphasizing restraint, adherence to international law, and the prevention of further escalation.

During a regular European Commission briefing, a spokesperson reiterated the EU’s long-standing position that President Nicolas Maduro “lacks the legitimacy of a democratically elected leader” and stressed that the bloc continues to push for a “peaceful, Venezuelan-led transition to democracy.”

Outlining the EU’s stance, the spokesperson stated: “EU is calling for calm and restrain by all the actors, and also to avoid escalation and to ensure also peaceful solution to the crisis. We have inserted also the reference to the need to respect and uphold international law.” The remarks underscored the EU’s view that de-escalation and legal principles must guide all responses to the unfolding situation.

The spokesperson further noted that countries holding permanent seats on the UN Security Council carry a “particular responsibility” to safeguard international law, describing it as a core foundation of global stability.

Cautioning against premature conclusions, the official said: “As the events just unfolded, it is too early to look into and assess all the implications in terms of legal assessment... Let's take it step by step and also to see how the facts are and the events are unfolding. We are now at the stage where we have seen a dictator Maduro, that is lacking any legitimacy of a democratically elected leader. We have continued as a EU to advocate for a Venezuelan-led also peaceful transition to democracy.” The comments reflected the EU’s intent to closely monitor developments before making definitive legal judgments.

The EU also highlighted the role of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, identifying her as an important figure in any future transition. Officials pointed to the 2024 vote, noting that “millions of Venezuelans supported change,” as evidence of significant public backing for political transformation.

Echoing this assessment, another Commission spokesperson said the developments over the weekend “provide an opportunity for a democratic transition led by the Venezuelan people.” When asked to characterize the nature of US actions, the spokesperson emphasized that the EU’s focus remains on the political outcome rather than on assigning labels to the events themselves.

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