January 10, 2025 (press release) –
The Council has decided to prolong the restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela for a further year, until 10 January 2026.
Additionally the Council reintroduced the travel restrictions applied to four individuals, which had been temporarily suspended in May 2024 with the objective of promoting the organisation of inclusive, credible and competitive elections in Venezuela in July 2024.
These decisions were taken in light of the persistent actions undermining democracy and the rule of law, as well as continued human rights violations and the repression of civil society and democratic opposition, including in relation to the conduct of and developments following the Presidential Elections of 28 July 2024.
In light of the post electoral developments in Venezuela and the lack of progress towards a Venezuelan-led dialogue leading to the restoration of democracy and the rule of law, and in view of the continued grave human rights situation in the country, the Council has also decided to adopt restrictive measures against 15 additional individuals. These individuals are members of the National Electoral Council of Venezuela (CNE), the judiciary, and the security forces.
This decision brings to 69 the total number of individuals subject to sanctions, which include an asset freeze and a prohibition on the provision of funds or economic resources both directly and indirectly to those listed. Additionally, they are subject to travel bans in the European Union.
The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Background
The EU introduced restrictive measures on Venezuela in November 2017. The measures include an embargo on arms and on equipment for internal repression, and the imposition of travel bans and asset freezes on listed individuals. These targeted measures are designed not to have adverse humanitarian effects or unintended consequences for the Venezuelan population, and can be reversed.
In its conclusions of 19 December 2024, the European Council reiterated its concern about the situation in Venezuela. It called for the release of all political detainees and for Venezuela to uphold its commitments under international law. The European Union will mobilise all the tools at its disposal to support democracy and a peaceful and inclusive transition in Venezuela.
Today, Canada, the UK and the US have also announced new sanctions on high-level Venezuelan officials.
- Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/49 of 9 January 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela (including a list of the individuals sanctioned today)
- Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/43 of 9 January 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela (on the prolongation of restrictive measures until 10 January 2026)
- European Council conclusions, 17 October 2024
- Venezuela: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on recent post-election developments (24 August 2024)
- Consolidated text: Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074 of 13 November 2017 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela (dated 15 May 2024)
- EU response to the crisis in Venezuela (background information)
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