Borrell announces that the EU will not impose new sanctions on Venezuela despite the crisis.

The recent statement by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs of the European Union, Josep Borrell, has shaken the political landscape in Venezuela. During an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Borrell confirmed that the European community has decided not to impose new sanctions on the South American country, despite the critical situation it is facing. To date, 55 Venezuelan political figures are already under sanctions, including high-ranking government officials such as Delcy Rodríguez and Diosdado Cabello. The decision not to expand the sanctions regime is based on the consideration that significant measures have already been taken against the main actors of Nicolás Maduro's regime. In his statements, Borrell emphasized that "more personal sanctions would mean going directly after the highest political leaders," suggesting that only a couple of figures remain who have not yet been sanctioned. This highlights the complexity of the situation, where the EU seeks to act with a strategy that does not further exacerbate the crisis in the country. However, the lack of new sanctions does not imply recognition of the legitimacy of Maduro's government. Borrell was clear in stating that the EU does not recognize the democratic legitimacy of the Venezuelan president, due to the lack of presentation of electoral records that would validate his reelection. This point is crucial, as it underscores the EU's critical stance towards the electoral processes in Venezuela, which have been subject to numerous allegations of lack of transparency and credibility. Maduro's refusal to present the electoral records is interpreted by EU countries as an attempt to hide the reality of a contested and questioned electoral process. "It's too late for that," Borrell commented, referring to the absence of verification and the lack of trust in the Venezuelan electoral system. The EU appears willing to continue observing internal developments in Venezuela, waiting for signals that could indicate a shift towards negotiation and dialogue. The situation in Venezuela has not only drawn the attention of the EU but has also provoked reactions from various political actors within the country. Diosdado Cabello, vice president of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela and one of the strongmen of the regime, stated that justice in Venezuela will determine arrests regardless of what the United States or the international community says. This statement reflects Cabello's defiant stance and his closeness to power, which could further complicate any attempts at dialogue or political opening. Meanwhile, repression in Venezuela continues to be a matter of concern. According to reports from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), there has been a documented increase in post-electoral repression, with arrests exceeding 1,500 people. This context has generated calls from the EU for the Maduro government to put an end to human rights violations and the repression of dissent. Opposition leader Edmundo González participated remotely in the EU meeting, presenting a picture of stronger support from the opposition compared to the current government. However, the EU did not reach an agreement to officially recognize the opposition's victory, reflecting the uncertainty and fragmentation of the political landscape in Venezuela. The EU's stance seems to focus on promoting human rights and seeking a peaceful solution to the crisis, in collaboration with countries in the region such as Brazil and Colombia. The challenge lies in finding a balance between international pressure and the need for internal dialogue in such a polarized and tense environment. The path to a possible solution still appears long and complicated. With the EU watching closely and not imposing new sanctions, the future of Venezuela will largely depend on the decisions made by the Maduro government and the opposition's ability to unite and present a viable alternative. Meanwhile, the international community seems to be in a waiting position, anticipating a change that would allow efforts to be refocused on a real and sustainable democratic process in the country.