Venezuela: Council reviews restrictive measures

In view of the situation in Venezuela, the Council today decided exceptionally to extend its restrictive measures for six months only instead of one year, until 14 May 2024.

These restrictive measures include an embargo on arms and on equipment for internal repression as well as a travel ban and an asset freeze on 54 listed individuals. In connection to the latest review of the measures, one deceased person was removed from the list.

The EU restrictive measures on Venezuela, in place since November 2017, were imposed in response to the continuing deterioration of democracy, the rule of law and human rights in Venezuela, to help encourage democratic shared solutions in order to bring political stability to the country and allow it to address the pressing needs of the population. These targeted measures are flexible and reversible and designed not to harm the Venezuelan population.

The restrictive measures adopted by the Council of the European Union in view of the situation in Venezuela are a means to foster a credible and meaningful process leading to a peaceful negotiated Venezuelan-led solution. The Council recalls that these measures are targeted, gradual and flexible and can be scaled or reversed depending on progress made towards the restoration of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights in Venezuela.

The Council welcomes the Venezuelan-led political agreement of 17 October 2023, in Barbados, which represents a positive and necessary step in the continuation of an inclusive dialogue process and towards the restoration of democracy in Venezuela. In this context and in the framework of the annual review of its restrictive measures, the Council has decided to exceptionally shorten the duration of the upcoming renewal from 12 to 6 months.

The Council is willing to take steps and consider the easing or reversal of restrictive measures depending on the evolution of the situation and the implementation of this political agreement, as well as progress made towards the unconditional release of all those unjustly detained, freedom of expression including for members of the press, the independence of the electoral process and judicial institutions allowing for credible, inclusive, transparent and democratic elections, and respect for human and political rights. Thus, in line with the stated motives leading to today’s decision, the Council will reassess the scope of its restrictive measures in 6 months and is ready to revert to this matter at any time based on concrete, sustainable and verifiable progress with regard to the situation in Venezuela.