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Brussels insists Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia must be at the heart of the process
In the wake of the dramatic political developments in Venezuela, the European Union has made clear that any transition toward democracy in the crisis-ridden South American country must include key opposition figures — above all Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado and opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia. This stance, articulated by the European Commission’s spokesperson at a recent press briefing in Brussels, highlights the EU’s commitment to democratic principles and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people.
The EU’s position reflects deep concern about Venezuela’s political future following the controversial ouster of President Nicolás Maduro and the uncertainty surrounding the country’s leadership. Rather than endorsing external plans for transition that exclude grassroots democratic actors, Brussels argues that the process must be rooted in the voices and choices of Venezuelans themselves. At the core of this argument is Machado, a veteran opposition figure and champion of democratic rights, and González Urrutia, widely recognized by the EU as the legitimate winner of the disputed 2024 presidential election.
Maria Corina Machado’s rise to international prominence came not only from her leadership within Venezuela’s democratic movement but also from global recognition of her efforts. She was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for “her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.”
Additionally, both Machado and González Urrutia received the EU’s prestigious Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 2024, underscoring European institutions’ longstanding support for their cause.
At the European Commission briefing, spokesperson Anitta Hipper emphasized that “the next steps envision a dialogue toward a democratic transition that must include Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado.” She noted that both leaders have “fought tirelessly for democracy and human rights in Venezuela” and were central to a 2024 movement that mobilized millions of Venezuelans to exercise their right to vote peacefully.
This EU stance emerges amid broader international debate about how best to respond to the political upheaval in Venezuela. In recent days, the United States carried out a high-profile operation that resulted in the capture of Maduro, an action that has drawn both support and criticism from world leaders. Some European countries have cautioned against unilateral military interventions, stressing the importance of respecting international law and peaceful processes guided by the Venezuelan people.
Against this backdrop, the EU’s insistence on inclusion is a clear message to all external actors: legitimate democratic transition cannot be achieved by sidelining the very leaders who have built grassroots support inside Venezuela. The European position rejects proposals to center the transition around figures perceived as lacking broad democratic legitimacy, instead advocating for a process that honours the choices made by Venezuelan voters and respects legal and human-rights norms.
Edmundo González Urrutia, recognized by the European Parliament as the legitimately elected president of Venezuela, represents this democratic will. His campaign in the 2024 elections, in which Machado played a leading role before being barred from running, was seen by many Venezuelans and international observers as a powerful expression of desire for change. Although official results declared Maduro the victor, the EU and other international bodies have questioned the integrity of that outcome.
Maria Corina Machado, for her part, remains an influential symbol of Venezuela’s democratic struggle. Her Nobel Peace Prize brings further international attention to her long-standing fight for human rights and political freedom. Her continued involvement in future discussions about Venezuela’s governance is, according to the EU, essential not only for legitimacy but also for unity among citizens seeking a peaceful transition.
The EU’s message is also a reminder of the bloc’s broader foreign policy priorities: defending democratic values, supporting human rights, and ensuring that international interventions do not undermine local agency. By championing a transition that includes both Machado and González Urrutia, Brussels aims to back a process rooted in the genuine aspirations of Venezuelans rather than imposed from outside.
As Venezuela faces a critical juncture in its political evolution, the EU’s call for inclusion reaffirms the importance of democratic legitimacy and the rule of law. For many Venezuelans who have endured years of political instability and economic hardship, the presence of leaders like Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia in any transition dialogue remains a beacon of hope for a future defined by freedom and democratic governance.
Alessandro Fiorentino