European leaders have reacted cautiously to the US military operation in Caracas on January 3, 2026, that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, citing concerns over Ukraine support, Greenland, and international law. France shows a political divide, from condemnation on the left to qualified approval on the right.
The US operation, justified by President Donald Trump as targeting narcotrafficking and Venezuelan oil reserves, prompted measured EU responses. The bloc advised airlines to avoid Venezuelan airspace but stopped short of condemning Washington, fearing impacts on aid to Ukraine against Russia and Danish control of Greenland—coveted by Trump. Denmark's ambassador to the US stressed on X the 'total respect for the integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark'.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the intervention 'legitimate' and 'defensive'. In France, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot criticized it as violating international law, insisting 'no lasting political solution can be imposed from the outside'. President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the end of the 'Maduro dictatorship' on X, praising Venezuelan liberation without referencing the US role; his office emphasized respecting international law post-deposition.
The left erupted in outrage: Jean-Luc Mélenchon (La France insoumise) rejected any 'good invasion,' decrying US oil ambitions and Macron's hypocrisy. Olivier Faure (PS) labeled France a 'vassal of the USA', Fabien Roussel (PCF) the '51st state'. A protest rally occurred on Place de la République, organized by LFI, PCF, and Révolution permanente.
On the right, Marine Le Pen (RN) condemned Maduro's regime but upheld sovereignty: 'Renouncing this principle today for Venezuela would mean accepting our own servitude tomorrow'. Bruno Retailleau (LR) urged action against narcotrafficking while defending Venezuelan sovereignty. Raphaël Glucksmann lamented a 'world without international law'. Economy Minister Roland Lescure welcomed the dictator's fall but regretted the method. Former PM Dominique de Villepin accused Macron of appeasing Trump for Ukraine gains. Gabriel Attal viewed it as evidence of force-dominated global order, calling for European adaptation.
