EU trade and sanctions policy towards Venezuela following recent US actions

Priority question for written answer P-000127/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sebastian Kruis (PfE)

President Maduro has been removed from power, and the United States has assumed temporary control over key state functions. The United States has also announced major investment in Venezuela's energy sector, aimed at restoring production capacity and attracting Western capital. For many years, the absence of an active EU strategy allowed non-Western actors, such as China and Russia, to dominate Venezuela's economy. The current US leadership in the country creates a new strategic context. This presents an opportunity for the EU to re-engage economically and to secure European trade and investment interests.

• 1.Which existing EU sanctions against Venezuela does the Commission consider could be lifted, modified or suspended in the short term in order to facilitate the rapid restoration of EU-Venezuela trade and investment relations?
• 2.Is the Commission prepared to develop a concrete roadmap to resume EU exports to and investment in Venezuela, with a focus on energy, infrastructure, logistics and related supply chains?
• 3.How does the Commission intend to align EU trade and investment policy with ongoing US initiatives in Venezuela in order to secure timely market access for European companies, particularly in strategic sectors, and prevent structural disadvantages vis-à-vis non-EU competitors?

Submitted: 14.1.2026