The European Union has expressed this Friday its support for "all efforts" aimed at a democratization process driven by the Venezuelans themselves, after the Venezuelan National Assembly and the opposition Parliament established in 2015 launched a round of political dialogue at the beginning of August to rebuild the country after the double earthquake that caused more than 6,000 deaths.
A community spokesperson has indicated in a statement sent to the press that the process of conversations between the 2015 National Assembly and the 2026 Assembly, initiated on August 1, "constitutes an opportunity and a step in the right direction" and aligns with the aspirations of the Venezuelan citizenry.
In his words, "Every dialogue process must be led by and be the property of the Venezuelans, and develop in an inclusive, plural, and transparent manner," emphasizing that Brussels trusts that this dynamic will serve to promote institutional reform and to advance towards "free and fair elections."
Likewise, the EU aspires for the negotiations between representatives of 'chavismo' and the opposition to contribute to a national reconciliation "with the necessary guarantees," to the consolidation of "effective justice," and to the full respect of "fundamental freedoms."
In this context, the European institutions have positively assessed the recent announcement regarding the release of new political prisoners, recalling that the bloc has consistently demanded the release of all individuals detained for political reasons.
"COMMITMENT" TO RECONSTRUCTION AFTER THE EARTHQUAKES
After reiterating its support for the rapprochement between the Venezuelan government and the opposition, the European Union has reaffirmed its "ongoing commitment" to the population of the country and its willingness to support a "resilient, sustainable, and transparent" recovery.
As an example, it has cited the aid already mobilized for Venezuela after the two earthquakes in June, which includes 25 million euros in emergency humanitarian assistance, of which 15 million are allocated to the communities most affected by the earthquakes.
The remaining 10 million euros, the spokesperson specified, are directed to finance the operations of search and rescue teams, medical personnel, and other specialists, as well as the in-kind assistance sent on the ground.
The EU has also highlighted the support articulated through the European Civil Protection Mechanism, which allowed the deployment of 700 search and rescue personnel in the first 72 hours, the opening of a humanitarian bridge, the provision of satellite images, and the sending of 170 tons of aid material.
In parallel, the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment for Venezuela was launched with the support of the EU, the United Nations system, the World Bank, the IDB, and the CAF, in coordination with the interim Government, in order to determine the reconstruction priorities after the disaster.