Venezuela has denounced the European Council's decision to renew targeted sanctions until January 10, 2027, calling the move "a complete failure" and accusing the EU of coercion. The measures — first introduced in 2017 — include an arms embargo, export controls on equipment that could enable internal repression, and travel bans and asset freezes affecting 69 people. The EU says sanctions will remain until there is tangible progress on human rights and the rule of law; analysts stress the EU's approach targets regime figures rather than Venezuela's oil sector.
Venezuela Calls EU Sanctions 'Futile' After European Council Extends Measures to 2027
People walk past a truck bearing pictures of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez, in Caracas, Venezuela on March 27, 2024 [File: Gaby Oraa/Reuters]
Venezuela's government strongly condemned the European Council's decision to extend sanctions on the country until January 10, 2027, calling the measures "a complete failure" and accusing the European Union of coercion and a lack of geopolitical autonomy.
What the Sanctions Cover
The sanctions, first introduced in 2017, include an arms embargo and export controls on equipment that could be used for internal repression — notably light weapons, ammunition and surveillance technology. They also impose travel bans and asset freezes on individuals linked to alleged human rights violations and the weakening of democratic institutions.
According to the European Union, 69 people were subject to asset freezes and travel restrictions as of January this year.
Positions and Reactions
In a statement issued by Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto, Caracas described the measures as coercive and contrary to international law, saying they demonstrate "the European Union's growing irrelevance as an international actor" and label the sanctions renewal "futile."
The European Council said it would keep the measures in place until Venezuela's government demonstrates "tangible progress on human rights" and the rule of law, and takes concrete steps toward genuine dialogue and a democratic transition.
"The sanctions are designed to pressure people in the regime, not the Venezuelan population," the EU has said, framing the measures as targeted political tools rather than broad economic warfare.
Regional Context And International Pressure
The EU's renewal comes amid growing pressure from Washington. The White House recently announced financial sanctions on three of President Nicolás Maduro's nephews and on six oil tankers and related shipping firms reportedly linked to them, while US forces have been reported massed off Venezuela's coast in recent months.
Observers note important differences between EU and US approaches: EU measures are described as politically targeted, aimed at individuals and institutions, whereas some US penalties have more directly affected Venezuela's oil sector and related commercial operations.
Expert View
Vitelio Brustolin, adjunct professor at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, told Al Jazeera the EU sanctions "have a specific, stated political objective: to pressure people in the regime, not the population of Venezuela, and to preserve humanitarian and diplomatic channels and signal disapproval of human rights violations and the weakening of democracy."
How effective the renewed sanctions will be remains contested: Caracas rejects them as counterproductive and illegal, while the EU maintains they will stay until measurable institutional reforms and human rights improvements are evident.
