BRUSSELS — The European Union (EU) has reiterated its refusal to recognise the legitimacy of Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez, even as it commits to maintaining “targeted engagement” with Venezuelan authorities to protect its diplomatic and economic interests, EU officials said on Tuesday.
Speaking at a press briefing in Brussels, Anitta Hipper, spokesperson for the European Commission, confirmed that the bloc does not accept Rodríguez’s claim to the presidency — a position she assumed following political upheaval in Venezuela last week. The EU’s stance mirrors its longstanding policy of non-recognition of Nicolás Maduro, whom it has consistently rejected as Venezuela’s legitimately elected president.
Times Union
“Delcy Rodríguez has just been sworn in as interim president of Venezuela,” Hipper said. “The authorities in Venezuela derived their mandate from an electoral process that failed to respect the will of the people for democratic change.”
Times Union
The EU’s position underscores deep concerns over Venezuela’s political crisis, which intensified after a U.S. military operation resulted in the ousting and capture of Maduro, and has since triggered international debate over sovereignty, democracy and the rule of law.
Despite its refusal to recognise the leadership of both Maduro and Rodríguez, Brussels said it will continue limited and targeted engagement with the de facto authorities in Caracas to safeguard EU interests and uphold its diplomatic principles. This engagement, EU officials emphasised, is not an endorsement of the current leadership but a pragmatic step to maintain channels of communication.
The EU has called for an inclusive political dialogue that leads to a genuine democratic transition. In its official comments, the bloc urged that any future process include opposition figures and representatives committed to democratic change — a point widely supported by EU member states in recent statements.
European leaders have also stressed the importance of respecting international law and ensuring that Venezuelans themselves determine their country’s future. Brussels has repeatedly cited concerns over the integrity of Venezuela’s electoral processes and human rights record, which underpins its decision not to recognise the current leadership as legitimate.
The EU’s response comes amid escalating global tensions over Venezuela, with key international players divided on the recent U.S. intervention and its implications for sovereignty and regional stability. Russia, for example, has openly backed Rodríguez’s leadership, framing it as a defence of Venezuelan sovereignty, even as global reactions remain mixed.
Reuters
As the situation evolves, the EU’s policy positions are likely to remain focused on promoting democratic principles, supporting dialogue among Venezuelan stakeholders, and balancing diplomatic engagement with principled non-recognition of contested leadership claims.
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