The European Commission on Monday called for a democratic transition in Venezuela that includes opposition leaders Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez, after the United States captured Nicolas Maduro on Saturday. Community spokesperson Anitta Hipper recalled that both “have fought tirelessly for democracy and human rights in Venezuela.” Furthermore, both Machado and Gonzalez Urrutia “led the Venezuelan people in 2024 to peacefully exercise their right to vote. Millions of Venezuelans voted for change and supported Edmundo Gonzalez with a significant majority,” Hipper added. Following the attack in Caracas and Maduro's capture, “the next steps are about dialogue toward a democratic transition” that must include both of them, she noted. On the other hand, community spokesperson Paula Pinho pointed out that it is necessary to remember "that Nicolas Maduro lacked the legitimacy of a democratically elected leader. And therefore, these events facilitate the opportunity for a democratic transition led by the people of Venezuela." Pinho also stressed “the need to respect international law and the UN Charter.”

“Respecting the will of the people”

Along the same lines, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, published a statement on Saturday supported by 26 member states (all except Hungary) calling for “restraint from all actors” and urging respect for international law, avoiding escalation, and ensuring a “peaceful solution” to the situation, adding that “the right of the Venezuelan people to determine their future must be respected.