VENEZUELA

On November 13, the European Union (EU) extended economic and financial sanctions against more than 30 public officials from Nicolas Maduro’s administration, including current Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and National Constituent Assembly president Diosdado Cabello. Measures include the freezing of assets and travel bans to the continent on the grounds that those sanctioned undermine the country’s democracy. The measures are to be in force until November 14, 2021.

The decision to extend the sanctions against Venezuela for one year responds to “the continuous political, economic, social and humanitarian crisis” affecting the country and is also based on “persistent actions against democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights” perpetrated by the 36 officials sanctioned according to the EU. Sanctions include an embargo on arms sales as well.

According to the EU, the initiative seeks to foster political stability in the country and find democratic solutions to the institutional crisis that Venezuela is currently facing. It is important to remember that legislative elections to renew the National Assembly are set to be held next December 6. The EU has cast doubt on this electoral process as it considers that there are not enough guarantees to ensure its transparency.