Geneva – European governments and officials reacted with measured concern on January 3, 2026, to the U.S. military strikes on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, emphasizing the need for de-escalation, respect for international law, and protection of civilians amid fears of regional instability.
The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) issued a statement urging “de-escalation, restraint, and respect for international law, including the prohibition of the use of force and the principle of respect for territorial integrity.” The ministry noted on X that the situation is being closely monitored by its embassy in Caracas, adding that “no Swiss nationals have been affected.”
Dutch caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof posted on X that the government is closely following developments, stressing the importance of regional security and expressing support for authorities in the nearby Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire “in these uncertain times.” Schoof personally assured local leaders of Dutch backing.
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini warned on X that “any attack on a sovereign state and its representative without a mandate from the United Nations Security Council constitutes a serious violation of international law regardless of the regime governing the targeted country.” He cautioned that such actions “create a precedent that may destabilize other regions of the world as well.”
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen described the developments as “dramatic” and insisted that “international law must be respected.” In a post on X, he called for de-escalation and dialogue to resolve the crisis.
Austrian Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler strongly condemned the U.S. armed attack, stating on X: “This attack constitutes a serious violation of the prohibition of the use of force enshrined in the UN Charter. It is a matter of our credibility to clearly state this. We must uphold the international rule of law.” Babler argued that the events illustrate the world “moving backward geopolitically,” with international structures disintegrating, and urged Europe to offer an alternative model rejecting “the law of the jungle.”
Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee revealed she was in contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, stressing on X “the absolute necessity of full respect for international law and the principles of the UN Charter.” While noting that Maduro “does not have any democratic legitimacy,” she reaffirmed Ireland’s consistent call for a “peaceful and negotiated transition” and support for international efforts toward that end.
Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob declared on X that any military intervention not based on international law “is unacceptable and leads the world into a further spiral of war and violence.” He reiterated the EU’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution, de-escalation, and a democratic path for Venezuela, adding: “We do not want another war. We do not want civilian casualties and the suffering of the innocent population.”
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot acknowledged that Venezuelans “deserve a democratic and legitimate regime,” absent under Maduro, and that he should be held accountable. However, he emphasized on X that “international law must be respected, in all circumstances,” calling for swift de-escalation and civilian protection, while prioritizing the safety of Belgian nationals.
Portugal’s government issued a statement closely monitoring the situation via its embassy and consular network, with the “absolute priority” being the safety of the large Portuguese community in Venezuela. It called for reduced tensions, respect for international law and the UN Charter, and promotion of public safety, noting non-recognition of the 2024 election results and advocacy for a rapid return to democratic normality.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas stated the bloc is “closely monitoring” developments, reiterating that Maduro “lacks legitimacy” while calling for restraint and upholding international law and the UN Charter principles.
These responses reflect a common European theme: criticism of Maduro’s authoritarian rule and non-recognition of his legitimacy post-2024 elections, balanced against unease over unilateral U.S. military action potentially violating sovereignty and setting precedents. Many prioritized citizen safety and peaceful transitions.
The operation follows months of U.S. escalation, including naval blockades and strikes on alleged drug vessels, culminating in Maduro’s extraction to New York for narco-terrorism charges. Venezuelan acting leader Delcy Rodríguez demanded proof of life and condemned the action as aggression.
Broader global reactions divided along ideological lines, with Latin American leftists and U.S. adversaries condemning the strikes, while some right-leaning leaders welcomed Maduro’s removal.
As uncertainty persists, European calls underscore preferences for multilateralism and rule-based order amid risks of refugee flows, instability, and energy disruptions.
