Brussels – Political groups in the European Parliament responded swiftly on January 3, 2026, to the U.S. military strikes on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, highlighting divisions over the intervention while largely criticizing Maduro's regime.
The Socialists and Democrats (S&D), the second-largest group in the Parliament, announced it has "requested a plenary debate in the European Parliament on the situation in Venezuela and the EU’s role in defending democracy and a rules-based international order." In a statement posted on X, the progressive alliance emphasized the need for EU action amid the crisis, reflecting concerns over democratic backsliding under Maduro and the implications of unilateral U.S. actions.
The Left group, representing far-left parties, took a stronger stance, urging immediate EU condemnation: "Venezuela is bombed. The European Union must condemn this attack immediately." The group added, "We stand with the people of Venezuela against military aggression," and declared "Hands off Venezuela," framing the U.S. operation as imperialist interference.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Santiago Abascal, Spanish far-right leader from Vox and president of the Patriots for Europe group, blamed Venezuela's leadership directly: "The narco-terrorist regime of Maduro must surrender immediately and spare the Venezuelan people, whom it has relentlessly and brutally tortured, from suffering." Abascal, a vocal critic of leftist governments, welcomed the potential end of Maduro's rule as a step toward restoring freedom.
These reactions underscore ideological splits within the Parliament: progressives and leftists prioritizing anti-interventionism and sovereignty, while right-wing factions focus on Maduro's alleged authoritarianism and drug ties.
The calls come as the U.S. executed Operation Absolute Resolve, involving airstrikes and the extraction of Maduro and Flores to New York for narco-terrorism charges. President Donald Trump confirmed the "large-scale" action on Truth Social, stating the U.S. would oversee Venezuela until a "safe, proper, and judicious transition," with involvement of American oil companies.
Venezuela's government declared a national emergency, accusing the U.S. of attacking civilian and military sites. Acting leader Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded "proof of life" for the couple.
Broader EU responses urged restraint: High Representative Kaja Kallas reiterated Maduro's lack of legitimacy while stressing respect for international law. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola supported democracy but called for adherence to global norms.
The potential plenary debate—requested by S&D—could occur in upcoming sessions, allowing MEPs to address EU policy, sanctions, and humanitarian concerns. Venezuela's crisis has long divided the Parliament, with resolutions condemning electoral fraud and human rights abuses under Maduro.
As Maduro awaits arraignment, risks of instability, refugee flows, and energy disruptions persist. The Parliament's engagement highlights Europe's balancing act: opposing Maduro while wary of unilateral force setting precedents.
