How did America’s European allies react to the attack on Venezuela?
European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaia Kallas, in their statements, expressed deep concern about the developments in Venezuela and called on all parties to adhere to the UN Charter and to refrain from unilateral actions that could further jeopardize regional stability.
In a message issued after talks with the US Secretary of State and the EU Ambassador to Caracas, Kallas reiterated the EU’s previous positions on the lack of legitimacy of the Maduro government and stressed that all actions must be taken within the framework of international law and the UN Charter. European Council President Antonio Costa also said that the EU is following the situation in Venezuela with “deep concern” and stressed the need to reduce tensions and peacefully resolve the Venezuelan crisis within the framework of international law.
In Spain, which closely follows developments in Venezuela due to historical and linguistic ties, the Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling for an immediate reduction in tensions and stressed that any solution must be pursued through dialogue and within the framework of international law. Madrid also announced its readiness to offer its best efforts to help achieve a political and negotiated solution if the conditions were right.
In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in his first official response, clarified that London had “no role” in the US operation against Venezuela and that his government was now focused on protecting the lives and security of British citizens in the country. At the same time, he refrained from any condemnation or explicit support for Washington’s action, recalling that he had “always stressed the need to respect international law,” and framed his tone within the context of a request for clarification of the facts and the need to adhere to international rules.
The German government, through its Foreign Ministry, also announced that it was following developments in Venezuela “with great concern.” Berlin announced the formation of a crisis group within the Foreign Ministry to monitor the situation and coordinate with the German embassy in Caracas and other European partners. The content of Germany’s official positions focuses on the need to ensure the security of German citizens, maintain regional stability, and adhere to international law, and so far has not shown any sign of public support for US military action.
In Italy, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced on social media that the government in Rome and the Italian embassy in Caracas were closely monitoring developments, with particular attention to the large Italian community in Venezuela. He announced the activation of the crisis unit in the Italian Foreign Ministry and announced that the country’s prime minister would be kept informed of the situation. Rome’s position also focuses mainly on the consular and humanitarian dimensions and preventing the lives of Italian citizens from being endangered.