EU closely watches Venezuela as von der Leyen backs peaceful transition

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union is closely following developments in Venezuela and stands with the Venezuelan people in their pursuit of a peaceful and democratic transition of power.

In a post on X, she stressed that any decisions regarding the country must comply with international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, per Caliber.Az.

Following very closely the situation in Venezuela. We stand by the people of Venezuela and support a peaceful and democratic transition. Any solution must respect international law and the UN Charter.

With HRVP @kajakallas and in coordination with EU Member States, we are…

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 3, 2026

Von der Leyen also noted that, together with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas and in coordination with EU member states, the EU is providing full support to European citizens currently in Venezuela.

At the same time, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico sharply criticised the US military operation in Venezuela, describing it as a violation of international law in his message on social media.

He argued that the operation reflects the breakdown of the international order established after World War II, citing what he sees as the ineffective functioning of international law and the use of military force without authorisation from the UN Security Council.

Fico emphasised that, as the leader of a small country, he considers it necessary to condemn such actions consistently, recalling his previous opposition to the war in Iraq, the non-recognition of Kosovo as a sovereign state, Russia’s use of military force in Ukraine, and developments related to Gaza.

He also questioned how the European Union would respond to the strike on Venezuela, stating that the situation warrants condemnation and warning that the EU’s reaction would test whether it applies its principles consistently or adopts a double standard.

By Tamilla Hasanova