European leaders urge restraint, invoke UN Charter

Following the United States' military action on Saturday in which Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were seized and transferred to US territory, European leaders have reacted with references to international law and the United Nations Charter.

Hours after the operation, European Commission Vice-President and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas posted comments on X after speaking with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the EU's ambassador in Caracas.

"Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint," Kallas wrote.

Later, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "We stand by the people of Venezuela and support a peaceful and democratic transition. Any solution must respect international law and the UN Charter."

Neither official specified which provisions of the UN Charter they were referring to. However, Article 2 contains a directly relevant principle, stating: "All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations."

Yan Xiaoxiao, an associate researcher at the Institute of International Relations at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, added:"I don't know which international law scholar could consider it consistent with the Purposes of the United Nations to kidnap the legal president of a sovereign nation."

European national leaders initially adopted a cautious tone in their responses but stressed the need to uphold international laws and the UN Charter.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote: "The situation in Venezuela is fast moving. We will establish all the facts and speak to allies."

Later, after the US held a briefing about the situation, he said: "I reiterated my support for international law this morning."

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz said: "The legal assessment of the US operation is complex, and we will take the necessary time to evaluate it. International law remains the guiding standard."

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said her government believes external military action "is not the path" while added that Italy considers "defensive intervention legitimate when responding to hybrid threats to national security, such as those posed by state actors that fuel and facilitate narcotrafficking".

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot voiced strong opposition to the US military operation, reportedly writing on X: "The military operation that led to (Maduro's) seizure contravenes the principle of non-use of force, which underpins international law." However, as of press time, the post had been deleted.

According to Jian Junbo, director of the Center for China-Europe Relations at Fudan University, the statements from European leaders reflect an inherent contradiction.

"There is no doubt that the US action violates the UN Charter and international law," Jian said. "But condemning Washington could further strain transatlantic relations. At the same time, US disregard for international law also poses a threat to Europe itself. Upholding the international order, international law, and the UN Charter ultimately serves the security and interests of all countries."

zhangzhouxiang@chinadaily.com.cn