The European Parliament calls on the European Union to adopt new targeted sanctions against leaders of the Maduro regime, in response to the abortive coup attempt to remove Juan Guaidó from the presidency of the National Assembly, the sole stronghold of political opposition in Venezuela.
The resolution by the EU states that it is necessary to “step up the response [...], including through the extension of targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for human rights violations and repression”, says the resolution, which the European Parliament adopted by a large majority (471 votes in favour, 101 against, 103 abstentions) on Thursday 16 January.
Such sanctions could be adopted as early as Monday 20 January at the Foreign Affairs Council. In November 2019, the Council of the EU extended until 20 November 2020 the sanctions against 20 people close to the Nicolás Maduro regime (see EUROPE 12367/36).
The text of the parliamentary resolution prepared by the EPP, S&D and Renew Europe groups has not been amended (see EUROPE 12404/8).
Once again, Parliament recognises “Juan Guaidó as the legitimate President of the National Assembly and legitimate acting President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela”, in accordance with the country’s Constitution (Article 233).
Some 60 countries around the world have done the same, including many EU Member States. The EU does not recognise the legitimacy of Mr Maduro’s second presidential term. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)