European countries urge restraint, respect for international law after US strikes on Venezuela, capture of Maduro

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - European governments and officials on Saturday called for de-escalation and respect for international law after US strikes on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, raising concerns over regional stability and civilian safety.

The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs urged “de-escalation, restraint, and respect for international law, including the prohibition of the use of force and the principle of respect for territorial integrity."

On the US social media platform X, the ministry added that the situation is being closely monitored by its embassy in Caracas and that "no Swiss nationals have been affected."

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said, also on X, that his government is closely following developments, stressing that "security in the region is of great importance" and voicing support for authorities on the Caribbean islands "in these uncertain times."

For his part, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini warned that "any attack on a sovereign state and its representative without a mandate from the United Nations Security Council constitutes a serious violation of international law regardless of the regime governing the targeted country," cautioning that it could destabilize other regions.

"Such actions create a precedent that may destabilize other regions of the world as well," Pellegrini said on X.

Denmark’s Foreign Ministry quoted Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen as saying the developments were "dramatic” and that "international law must be respected."

The ministry said on X that Rasmussen also called for de-escalation and dialogue.

- Events in Venezuela show world moving ‘backward geopolitically'

Austrian Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler condemned the US armed attack on Venezuela.

"This attack constitutes a serious violation of the prohibition of the use of force enshrined in the UN Charter. It is a matter of our credibility to clearly state this. We must uphold the international rule of law,” Babler said on X.

He said Europe is seeing the world "move backward geopolitically," with international structures "disintegrating before our very eyes," arguing that the events in Venezuela show there is no alternative but for Europeans to offer a different model that rejects "the law of the jungle" as a political method.

Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee said she was in contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, stressing the "absolute necessity of full respect for international law and the principles of the UN Charter."

"While we have been clear that President Maduro does not have any democratic legitimacy, we have consistently called for a peaceful and negotiated transition in Venezuela, and have supported all international efforts to that end," she said on X.

Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob said any military intervention not based on international law "is unacceptable and leads the world into a further spiral of war and violence," adding: "We do not want another war. We do not want civilian casualties and the suffering of the innocent population."

On X, Golob reiterated that the EU would remain committed to "the peaceful resolution of disputes," de-escalation, and supporting a peaceful and democratic path for Venezuela.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said Venezuelans "deserve a democratic and legitimate regime," while stressing that "international law must be respected, in all circumstances," and calling for de-escalation and the protection of civilians.

"The Venezuelians [sic] deserve a democratic and legitimate regime, what they have been lacking with Maduro. Maduro must be held accountable for his actions," he said on X. "At the same time, as tirelessly repeated by Belgium, international law must be respected, in all circumstances. We all have an interest in a respected rules-based order."

"We hope for a swift de-escalation and for a peaceful transition. The civilian population must be spared," Prevot added.

Portugal’s government also said in a statement that it is closely monitoring the situation through its embassy and consular network, stressing that the “absolute priority is the safety and well-being of the Portuguese community in Venezuela," while calling for reduced tensions and respect for international law and the UN Charter.

"Having not recognized the 2024 election results and advocating for the quickest possible return to democratic normality, Portugal calls for a reduction in tensions, respect for International Law and the Charter of the United Nations, as well as the promotion of public safety and tranquility," it said.

Earlier Saturday, Venezuela’s government accused the US of attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states, and declared ‌a national ‌emergency.

US President Donald Trump confirmed the "large scale" strike, adding that President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were "captured and flown out of the country."

The attacks came after months of growing US pressure on Maduro, who Washington accuses of being involved in drug trafficking. The Venezuelan leader had denied the claims and expressed readiness for talks.

Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said they were "unaware" of Maduro's whereabouts, demanding the Trump administration provide "proof of life” of the president.