The European Union finds itself in a difficult position following US military action in Venezuela and President Donald Trump's renewed interest in acquiring Greenland. The bloc's muted response has raised questions about its commitment to international law and its ability to stand up to a key ally.
On Sunday, just over 24 hours after US forces attacked Caracas and seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the European Commission posted on social media. It did not mention the operation, which many legal experts and foreign leaders condemned as a violation of international law, instead focusing on EU travel benefits.
The EU's dilemma is stark: condemning the US risks alienating its primary security guarantor at a time when collective defence against Russia is critical, while acquiescing undermines the legal principles behind its opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Professor Alberto Alemanno of EU law noted this catch-22.
European leaders, keen not to derail peace talks in Ukraine, have offered mixed responses. French President Emmanuel Macron said he would shed no tears for Maduro, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the legal assessment complex. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the attack as legitimate self-defence, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc was following the situation closely.
Spain's Pedro Sánchez was more outspoken, stating that Spain did not recognise the Maduro regime but would not recognise an intervention violating international law. Populist far-right leaders, including Marine Le Pen, criticised the operation, with Le Pen declaring state sovereignty inviolable.
Experts criticised Europe's response. Nathalie Tocci of the Istituto Affari Internazionali argued that acting as colonies unable to stand up to Trump would lead to being treated as such. Dr John Cotter of Keele University said leaders failing to condemn the attack out of fear were missing fundamental points about international order.
