Venezuela

The crisis in Venezuela

Venezuela is facing a deep economic, social and political crisis that is severely affecting the country's citizens. Public services such as healthcare, water and sanitation, and education have collapsed, and basic goods are scarce.

According to the United Nations, 7.9 million people are in humanitarian need in Venezuela (i.e. 27.7% of the population). Around 56% of the population lives in extreme poverty.

The food security situation in Venezuela remains critical, with 15% of the total population (around 4 million people) urgently needing food assistance and 40% experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity. Around 62% of the population does not have regular access to water.

Since 2015, nearly 7.9 million Venezuelans have been displaced globally, with the majority (more than 6.9 million people) hosted in Latin American and Caribbean countries. Venezuelans currently represent the second-largest group of asylum seekers in the EU, after Afghans.

Up to 30% of school-aged children are not attending school regularly and 13% are outside of the education system. 70 % of the population have lost access to health system services. Outbreaks of diseases such as malaria and dengue frequently affect the most vulnerable sections of the population.

A deteriorating economic situation, with the inflation rate hitting 270% in 2025 according to the International Monetary Fund, is exacerbating the already catastrophic humanitarian situation.

Additionally, the strain on humanitarian resources is intensified by exposure to natural and human-induced hazards such as floods, landslides, oil spills and armed violence.

The European Union, together with its Venezuelan and international partners, has always supported a peaceful, democratic, inclusive and Venezuelan-led solution to end the crisis.

US intervention in Venezuela

The High Representative called for calm and restraint by all actors, to avoid escalation and to ensure a peaceful solution to the crisis.

The High Representative recalled that, under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be upheld. Members of the United Nations Security Council have a particular responsibility to uphold those principles, as a pillar of the international security architecture.

The EU has repeatedly stated that Nicolás Maduro lacks the legitimacy of a democratically elected president and has advocated for a Venezuelan-led peaceful transition to democracy in the country, respectful of its sovereignty. The right of the Venezuelan people to determine their future must be respected.

The EU shares the priority of combating transnational organised crime and drug trafficking, which pose a significant security threat worldwide. At the same time, the High Representative stressed that these challenges must be addressed through sustained cooperation in full respect of international law and the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The EU is in close contact with the United States, as well as regional and international partners to support and facilitate dialogue with all parties involved, leading to a negotiated, democratic, inclusive and peaceful solution to the crisis, led by Venezuelans.

Respecting the will of the Venezuelan people remains the only way for Venezuela to restore democracy and resolve the current crisis.

At this critical time, it is essential that all actors fully respect human rights and international humanitarian law. All political prisoners currently detained in Venezuela must be unconditionally released.

EU member states' consular authorities are working in close coordination in order to protect the safety of EU citizens, including those illegally detained in Venezuela.

Venezuela: Statement by the High Representative on the aftermath of the U.S. intervention in Venezuela (European External Action Service)

2024 presidential elections

In the wake of the human rights violations that followed the presidential elections in Venezuela on 28 July 2024, the EU remains extremely concerned.

At the subsequent European Council meetings in October and December 2024, EU leaders called on the Venezuelan authorities to:

respect the democratic will of the Venezuelan people
end violence against and repression and harassment of the opposition and of civil society
release political prisoners
put an end to groundless accusations against EU countries and grant full consular access to European citizens detained in Venezuela
uphold Venezuela's commitments under international law

They further emphasised that only complete and independently verifiable results would be accepted and recognised. The EU will mobilise all of its tools to support democracy and a peaceful and inclusive transition in Venezuela.

European Council conclusions:

Statements on behalf of the EU:

Humanitarian support for Venezuelans

Since 2016, the EU has allocated €572 million in emergency humanitarian aid to Venezuela. In 2026, €52 million was disbursed to respond to Venezuelans' most urgent needs.

The funding helps to assist Venezuelans in need inside the country as well as those hosted in neighbouring countries. EU humanitarian assistance is delivered through UN agencies, international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the Red Cross movement.

The aid is especially intended for vulnerable groups, such as children, young people, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, older people and indigenous groups.

The funding inside the country focuses on delivering healthcare, protection assistance, water, sanitation and hygiene, education in emergencies and nutritional and food support, as well as support for disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities.

The assistance to refugees and internally displaced people focuses on emergency medical services, food assistance, the provision of legal information and support, protection initiatives (specifically against gender-based violence and human trafficking), education in emergencies and shelter.

Humanitarian aid to Venezuela (European Commission)

Earthquakes of 24 June 2026

Following the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on 24 June, the EU has deployed rescue teams and other emergency assistance to Venezuela through the EU civil protection mechanism.

In addition, the EU's Copernicus satellite service has been activated in emergency mapping mode to provide timely and accurate satellite imagery and other geospatial data free of charge.

The EU stands ready to provide further assistance as needs evolve on the ground.

EU deploys emergency assistance to Venezuela following earthquakes (European Commission)

Sanctions related to Venezuela

The Council introduced sanctions in view of the situation in Venezuela on 13 November 2017. They include:

an embargo on arms and on equipment used for internal repression
a travel ban on individuals and an asset freeze on individuals and entities responsible for human rights violations and for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela

These sanctions aim to encourage democratic shared solutions that bring political stability to the country and address the pressing needs of Venezuelans. They are designed not to harm the Venezuelan population. The reversal of these sanctions will depend on tangible progress as regards human rights and the rule of law in Venezuela, along with meaningful steps towards genuine dialogue and a democratic transition.

The sanctions currently apply to 69 individuals and were last extended until 10 January 2027.