Thirty-seven members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have issued a joint appeal calling on the European Union to strongly condemn recent U.S. military actions in Venezuela. Their push reflects growing unease in parts of Europe over the legality and implications of Washington’s operations, particularly the surprise offensive that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The call highlights broader divisions within the EU over how to navigate foreign policy challenges in an era of shifting global power dynamics.
The Context: U.S. Military Action in Venezuela
In early January 2026, the United States launched a major military operation inside Venezuela that included airstrikes and ground forces aimed at capturing President Maduro, whom the U.S. government accused of corruption, drug trafficking, and threats to hemispheric security. U.S. authorities reported they had successfully “removed” Maduro and moved him to the United States for legal proceedings. The actions drew immediate global reactions from governments, international organizations, and human rights advocates.
International reactions have ranged from cautious diplomacy to outright condemnation. Many countries and blocs highlighted concerns about violations of sovereignty and international law, urging restraint and respect for the UN Charter.
European Parliament Members Step Forward
Against this backdrop, a group of thirty-seven European Parliament members from various political groups issued statements urging the European Union to more explicitly condemn the U.S. military intervention. These MEPs argue that the U.S. action undermines fundamental principles of international law, including respect for state sovereignty and non-intervention. They contend that the EU should not remain silent or equivocal in the face of what they describe as a potentially dangerous precedent for future military interventions.
International Law and Sovereignty at the Center
The MEPs stressed the importance of upholding the UN Charter and multilateral norms that prohibit the use of force except in instances of self-defense or Security Council authorization. They warned that failure to speak out could weaken the international rules-based order and erode trust in global governance institutions. This concern echoes broader European diplomatic statements that called for respect for international law while navigating political and strategic relationships with Washington.
European Union’s Official Position and Reactions
The official EU response to the Venezuelan crisis has so far focused on calls for restraint, respect for international law, and a peaceful solution to the conflict. The EU’s High Representative reiterated these points and emphasized the need for calm by all parties involved. While the EU recognizes that Maduro lacks democratic legitimacy, its statements have avoided directly endorsing or condemning the U.S. tactics, instead promoting dialogue and diplomatic pathways.
Individual EU member states have varied in their reactions. Spain’s prime minister, for example, has been notably critical of the U.S. action, calling it a violation of international legality that risks regional instability.
Implications for EU-U.S. Relations
The appeal by the European Parliament members underscores a growing tension within transatlantic relations. On one hand, Europe and the United States remain key strategic partners through NATO and shared security interests. On the other, differences over the use of military force and international norms are increasingly visible. This divergence could affect future cooperation on security, defense, and diplomatic initiatives.
The call from European Parliament members for the EU to condemn U.S. actions in Venezuela marks a significant moment in EU foreign policy debates—one that reflects broader anxieties about sovereignty, international law, and the future of multilateralism in an uncertain global landscape.
