The European Commission has declared that the apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by United States forces presents a pivotal opening for restoring democratic governance in Venezuela. During a press briefing on Monday, a Commission spokesperson characterized the development as creating a significant opportunity for a transition ultimately directed by the Venezuelan populace themselves.
The spokesperson refrained from offering a definitive legal assessment of the U.S. operation that led to Maduro’s capture this past Saturday, stating it was premature to evaluate all its implications. The EU’s position notably hinges on its longstanding refusal to recognize Maduro’s legitimacy, a point the official underscored by stating he ‘lacked the legitimacy of a democratically elected leader.’
Crucially, the European Union declined to speculate on the motivations of U.S. President Donald Trump, explicitly avoiding commentary on whether his administration’s actions were genuinely driven by an interest in fostering Venezuelan democracy. The EU’s statement carefully frames the event as a consequential geopolitical moment while maintaining a cautious distance from endorsing the methods employed by its American ally.