In the plenary session debate on 3 July, a large majority of MEPs gave their support for a stronger role for the European Union in Venezuela, in both humanitarian aid and through the imposition of fresh sanctions as well as in its role as international mediator.
MEPs turned to Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Commissioner Christos Stylianides to call for an increase in European aid both to Venezuela and to the countries bordering it, which are taking in its refugees. “Colombians cannot manage (the situation) alone”, said Agustín Díaz de Mera (EPP, Spain), pointing out that 820,000 Venezuelans had sought refuge in Colombia.
Other groups backed the EPP, notably on the call to the Venezuelan government to allow humanitarian aid. “Stop closing your eyes and help facilitate a humanitarian corridor”, Verónica Lope Fontagné (EPP, Spain) urged her colleagues “who are in closer contact with the Venezuelan government”.
She was addressing those members of the European Parliament who had opposed European policies which they described as “interventionist”. “We are deeply disappointed that this resolution has become a generalised attack on the Venezuelan government rather than being about refugees”, regretted Molly Scott Cato (Greens/EFA, UK).
The Greens/EFA and GUE/NGL groups said they opposed the calls for fresh elections made by the EPP, the ECR and Commissioner Stylianides and the strengthening of the EU role in international mediation, backed by the S&D.
Several MEPs welcomed the tougher sanctions agreed at the Foreign Affairs Council on 25 June (see EUROPE 12048). Charles Tannock (ECR, UK) and Dita Charanzová (ALDE, Czech Republic) went further and advocated that the sanctions be extended, including to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as the European Parliament resolution of 8 February called for (see EUROPE 11957).
At the vote on Thursday, the EPP, S&D, ALDE, ECR and EFDD will present a joint proposal for a resolution bringing together their shared positions and also proposing member states regularise the status of Venezuelan refugees in the EU and support for the legal process on-going at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Although it is to be expected that the Greens/EFA and GUE/NGL will vote against it, the resolution will, unless there is an upset, be carried without difficulty. (Original version in French by Carmen García, intern)