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EU: Opportunity for Democratic Transition in Venezuela After the US

Published January 5, 2026, 14:12
EU: Opportunity for Democratic Transition in Venezuela After the US

The European Commission stated today that the actions of the US in Venezuela “create the opportunity for a democratic transition” in the country. Spokesperson Paula Pinio recalled that Nicolás Maduro does not have the legitimacy of a democratically elected leader and added that the events of the weekend create an opportunity for a democratic transition, which should be led by the Venezuelan people. At the same time, Paula Pinio stressed the need to respect international law and the United Nations Charter, as stated in the declaration adopted yesterday by 26 EU countries (excluding Hungary). The Commission, however, declined to characterize the US action in Venezuela as an invasion, intervention, or aggressive act. EU foreign policy spokesperson Anita Hipper emphasized that “respect for the will of the Venezuelan people remains the only way forward” and stressed that the country must restore democracy and open the way out of the current crisis through dialogue, with the participation of Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado.