The Council of the European Union has imposed restrictive measures on 11 leading Venezuelan officials, because of their role in acts and decisions undermining democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela.

What has happened?

On 29 June 2020, the Council of the European Union imposed sanctions on 11 Venezuelan officials responsible for acting against the democratic functioning of the National Assembly, including stripping the parliamentary immunity of several members such as president Juan Guaidó.

What does this mean?

The individuals on the list are also responsible for initiating politically motivated prosecutions and creating obstacles for a political and democratic solution to the crisis in Venezuela, as well as violations of human rights and restrictions of fundamental freedoms such as freedom of press and speech.

The restrictive measures against the 11 officials include travel bans and asset freezes and bring the total number of those under sanctions to 36.

Following the announcement of the sanctions, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro expelled the EU envoy, Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa, giving her 72 hours to leave the country.

Restrictive measures by the EU on Venezuela were introduced in November 2017 and included an embargo on arms and equipment for internal repression as well as travel bans and asset freezes on those on the list. The latest Council decision follows up on four declarations issued by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on 21 December 2019, 9 January, 4 June and 16 June 2020.

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