EU voices stance on Venezuela, evaluates US operation
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas (Photo: Getty Images)
The EU respects Venezuela’s sovereignty and supports a peaceful transition to a democratic system, backed by 26 member states of the bloc (excluding Hungary). Regarding the US operation in Caracas, the Union shares the goal of combating organized crime but favors softer methods, states EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on X.
On behalf of the EU, Kallas called on all parties to exercise calm and restraint to avoid escalation and ensure a peaceful resolution of 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 official wrote.
The European Union does not recognize the legitimacy of President Maduro, who was detained by the US. At the same time, Kaja Kallas noted that the EU shares the priority of combating international organized crime and the illicit drug trade, which pose a significant threat to global security.
However, the EU’s position is that these challenges must be addressed through sustainable cooperation, with full respect for international law and the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Kallas also emphasized the right of the Venezuelan people to determine their own future.
“The right of the Venezuelan people to determine their future must be respected,” she stressed.
EU in contact with the US on next steps regarding Venezuela
According to Kallas, the EU is in close contact with Washington, as well as regional and international partners, to support and facilitate dialogue with all parties involved, leading to a negotiated, democratic, inclusive, and peaceful resolution of the crisis under Venezuelan leadership.
She emphasized that respect for the will of the people remains the only way for Venezuela to restore democracy and emerge from the 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,” Kallas wrote.
EU consular offices are reportedly working closely together to protect the safety of their citizens, including those unlawfully detained in Venezuela.
US operation in Venezuela
As reported, on January 3, Washington carried out a special operation in Venezuela, conducting airstrikes on its capital, Caracas - the southern part of the city was left without power.
The target of the operation was Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was detained along with his wife, Cilia Flores, and flown to the United States on a US military aircraft. Both are currently under arrest and awaiting trial.
The Maduro couple is accused of drug trafficking, including supplying fentanyl and cocaine to the US, which has contributed to the deaths of a significant number of Americans. They also face charges of illegal possession of weapons.
Beyond these allegations, Trump had additional reasons for dissatisfaction with Maduro. The US president accused the Venezuelan government of seizing American assets and demanded their return.
This specifically refers to Venezuela’s oil fields, which the country took over through nationalization under Maduro’s predecessor, Hugo Chávez, despite previously being owned by US companies.
