On Thursday 18 July, MEPs are expected to support the European Union's commitment to adopt new targeted sanctions against representatives of Venezuelan public authorities responsible for human rights violations against the population.
"The European Parliament calls on the Council of the EU to impose additional sanctions targeting the de facto state authorities responsible for human rights violations and repression" against the Venezuelan population, says a joint draft resolution of 17 July prepared by the EPP, S&D, Renew Europe and ECR groups, which MEPs will adopt on Thursday.
On Tuesday, during the plenary debate, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini, referred to the statement by Member States on the same day, which called for new targeted sanctions in the light of the recent alarming report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR), Michelle Bachelet, on the Venezuelan political crisis (see EUROPE 12297/6).
MEPs will support the renewed political dialogue under Norway's auspices between the Venezuelan opposition, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Juan Guaído, and the Maduro regime. Like the Twenty-Eight, they believe that "the sole objective of such a dialogue must be to create the conditions for credible, transparent and free presidential elections". In front of the deputies, Ms Mogherini was optimistic that "after months of work, today the space to build a peaceful and democratic solution to the crisis has opened up".
The EU does not recognise Nicolás Maduro's second term as President.
In addition, the European Parliament should reiterate its support for the International Criminal Court's investigations into the crimes and abuses perpetrated by the Maduro regime, as well as the initiative to establish a commission of inquiry within the UNHCR to determine individual responsibilities for human rights violations.
In four years, four million Venezuelans have fled the political and economic crisis in their country, most of them refugees in neighbouring countries. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)