Venezuela: declaration by the High Representative Josep Borrell on behalf of the EU on the latest developments - Main contents

On 16 December, the Venezuelan Supreme Court and the non-recognised Constituent Assembly stripped a further four members of the National Assembly - Jorge Millán, Hernán Alemán, Carlos Lozano and Luis Stefanelli - of their constitutionally granted parliamentary immunity.

This decision, that followed the Supreme Court's request on the basis of the Attorney General's accusations, is a serious violation of the constitutional provisions, the rule of law and the democratic principle of separation of powers. The ongoing actions against the members of the National Assembly, including harassment, intimidation and arbitrary arrests, are hampering the Constitutional work of the National Assembly.

The EU reiterates that a peaceful and political solution can only be achieved if the National Assembly, the only democratically elected body in Venezuela, is fully respected and its members can carry out their constitutional prerogatives freely.

Only a democratic path will sustainably resolve the Venezuelan crisis and bring an end to the suffering of the population. The organisation of free and credible internationally monitored presidential elections and the democratic re-establishment of state institutions, including the National Electoral Council (CNE) and the Supreme Court of Justice are essential for a lasting solution in Venezuela. In particular, it is of paramount importance that the National Assembly establishes a new, independent and transparent CNE, fully inclusive and balanced in its representation and composition.

The EU calls upon Venezuelan actors to engage in a credible, representative and inclusive negotiation and commits to support these efforts, notably through the International Contact Group. The EU will continue to monitor the situation and stands ready to use its available instruments to promote democracy, the Rule of Law and Human Rights, including targeted measures that do not harm the Venezuelan people. The EU will also maintain its assistance and consider further action in order to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.