The European Union stands in solidarity with the people of Venezuela, who voted peacefully on 28 July 2024 to determine the future of their country. Millions of Venezuelans voted for democratic change by supporting Edmundo González Urrutia by a significant majority, according to publicly available copies of electoral records (‘actas’). As the authorities have refused to publish official records from polling stations, the announced results remain unverified and cannot be recognised as representative of the will of the people. The Venezuelan authorities missed a key opportunity to respect the people’s will and ensure a transparent democratic transition with guarantees for all. Nicolás Maduro therefore lacks the legitimacy of a democratically elected president.

Since election day, Venezuelan authorities have hardened repression and harassment against the opposition and civil society and their families, imprisoning dissenting voices and forcing its own citizens to live in fear or go into exile. More than 2,500 citizens including minors were arrested and, while the EU takes note of the release of some of them, none should have spent a single day in custody. The EU calls on the authorities of Venezuela to end all unjust and arbitrary detentions, including of dual and foreign citizens, and to unconditionally release all political prisoners.

Venezuela must comply with its obligations under International Law, including the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular relations. We urge the authorities to ensure the full respect of human rights including the right to peaceful assembly and the freedom of expression. The EU welcomes the return to Caracas of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) as a step in the right direction. We urge Venezuela to engage constructively and effectively with a fully fledged OHCHR, as well as with the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela, the International Criminal Court and relevant regional mechanisms.

In view of this situation, the Council has decided to adopt a new package of targeted sanctions against 15 individuals responsible for undermining democracy, rule of law or human rights in Venezuela. The aim is to support a negotiated and democratic solution to the crisis. The EU has not adopted any measure that could inflict harm on the Venezuelan people or on the economy. The responsibility for ending the crisis in Venezuela lies with its authorities. The reversal of EU sanctions will depend on tangible progress in human rights and the rule of law in Venezuela, along with meaningful steps towards genuine dialogue and a democratic transition.

In 2025, the European Union will continue to address the urgent needs of the population of Venezuela, who suffer the consequences of the long humanitarian crisis. Last year alone, the EU committed almost 75 million Euros aimed at alleviating the suffering of the most vulnerable.

The European Union stands by all those upholding democratic values in Venezuela, including human rights defenders. The EU will continue to work with all Venezuelans, regional and international partners to foster dialogue and a democratic way out of the crisis led by Venezuelans that restores political stability, economic growth and social welfare to the millions of Venezuelans who face critical needs. The EU will pursue targeted engagement with the institutions and with political and civil society actors to address concerns and facilitate meaningful dialogue on human rights and the transition to democracy.