Spain calls on EU to lift sanctions on Venezuela’s interim president

Friday 20 February 2026 - 17:30

By: Sahili Aya

Spain calls on EU to lift sanctions on Venezuela’s interim president

Spain has formally urged the European Union (EU) to remove sanctions imposed on Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, following the recent approval of an amnesty law by the Venezuelan National Assembly. The announcement was made on Friday by Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, in Barcelona.

The new amnesty legislation, passed unanimously by lawmakers in Caracas, grants broad clemency to individuals convicted of politically related crimes from past periods of unrest. According to Spanish officials, this presents a meaningful step toward dialogue and peaceful democratic progress in Venezuela. Albares stressed that sanctions should be viewed as a tool to support political engagement, not an end in themselves, and that changes in Venezuela’s political landscape justify reconsideration of restrictive measures at the EU level.

Madrid’s request would require the agreement of all 27 EU member states, a process that could unfold at upcoming European Council meetings. EU institutions have indicated they remain open to considering the proposal, but have not yet made a definitive commitment on lifting sanctions against Rodríguez. Brussels officials emphasize their readiness to employ “all tools” available to encourage a transition toward democratic norms in Venezuela, while noting that the bloc’s sanctions policy remains aimed at promoting human rights and rule of law.

The sanctions currently target dozens of Venezuelan officials accused of undermining democratic institutions, and are tied to longstanding concerns about governance and human rights in the South American nation. Spain’s proposal reflects a diplomatic effort to balance pressure with incentives for political reform as part of a broader approach to Venezuela’s evolving situation.