EU countries broaden sanctions against Venezuela

Sanctions now target 69 Venezuelans, including asset freezes and travel bans

Birds fly over Caracas, on the day of the inauguration of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro for a third six-year term in Caracas, Venezuela Jan 10, 2025. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria

European Union member states on Friday broadened their sanctions against Venezuela to include 15 additional members of the National Electoral Council of Venezuela, the judiciary, and the security forces.

A total of 69 individuals in Venezuela are now targeted by EU sanctions, including an asset freeze and a ban on travel to the EU.

President Nicolas Maduro and his government have always rejected sanctions by the United States and others, saying they are illegitimate measures that amount to an "economic war" designed to cripple Venezuela.

Maduro and his allies have cheered what they say is the country's resilience despite the measures, though they have historically blamed some economic hardships and shortages on sanctions.