As the United States carried out airstrikes on Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, on the 3rd (local time) to oust the Nicolás Maduro regime, Europe said it is closely monitoring the situation and urged de-escalation and restraint.
Kaja Kallas, the European Union (EU) high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, said on X (formerly Twitter), "I spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and our ambassador in Caracas. The EU is closely reviewing the situation in Venezuela."
She added, "The EU has repeatedly noted Maduro's lack of legitimacy and has advocated a peaceful transfer of power," and "Under any circumstances, the principles of international law and the U.N. Charter must be respected. We call for restraint."
Spain's Foreign Ministry said in a statement, "We call for de-escalation and restraint, and for actions in line with the principles of international law and the U.N. Charter," adding, "We are prepared to offer our mediation to achieve a peaceful, negotiated resolution to the current crisis."
It added, "Spain did not recognize the results of the July 28, 2024, presidential election and has always supported plans to achieve a democratic solution," and "We have welcomed tens of thousands of Venezuelans who left the country for political reasons and emphasize that we will continue to welcome them."
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on X that she is "closely reviewing the situation in Venezuela." Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also wrote that he is carefully monitoring the situation and continuing to report to Prime Minister Meloni. Some 160,000 Italians live in Venezuela, most of them dual nationals.
Germany's Foreign Ministry said it is watching this situation with great concern and is in close contact with the embassy in Venezuela. A crisis response team is scheduled to meet during the day to discuss the matter.
Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said on X that he is "closely observing the situation in cooperation with European partners."