It was by the wide majority of 455 votes to 100, with 29 abstentions, that the European Parliament adopted a resolution advocating a more active role for the European Union in resolving the humanitarian and migration crisis in Venezuela and the border regions of Colombia and Brazil.
The resolution was submitted jointly by the EPP, S&D, ALDE and EFDD – some of whose members have taken part in missions sent by Parliament to Colombia and Brazil – and ECR groups. With the Greens/EFA and the GUE/NGL not siding with the other groups, most of their members voted, as expected, against the resolution.
After strong support in the plenary session debate on 3 July, the resolution calls on the Venezuelan government to allow humanitarian aid into the country and on the European Commission to increase this aid.
In addition, MEPs call for an active role for the European External Action Service (EEAS) in international mediation.
Reiterating that it does not recognise the result of the presidential election, Parliament calls for a fresh election that complies with international democratic standards to be held.
Lastly, MEPs express their support for targeted sanctions and highlight the possibility of extending these sanctions to President Nicolas Maduro (see EUROPE 11957). (Original version in French by Carmen García, intern)