The European Parliament adopted by 439 vote to 104, with 88 abstentions, a resolution on the situation in Venezuela.
The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR and ALDE groups.
The elections held on 20 May 2018 were conducted without complying with the minimum international standards for a credible process and failed to respect political pluralism, democracy, transparency and the rule of law.
Juan Guaidó, President of the opposition-controlled national assembly, declared himself interim President of Venezuela on 23 January 2019, in an attempt to oust President Nicolás Maduro.
Guaidó was promptly recognised as the legitimate President of Venezuela by several countries, including the US, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Canada.
Members strongly condemned the fierce repression and violence, resulting in killings and casualties in reaction to this situation and urged the de facto Venezuelan authorities to halt all human rights violations.
The EU, together with other regional organisations and democratic countries, recognised neither the elections nor the authorities put in place by this illegitimate process.
However, Parliament recognised Juan Guaidó as the legitimate interim president of Venezuela and expressed its full support for his roadmap.
It requested that the EU adopt a strong, unified stance, and recognise Juan Guaidó as the only legitimate interim president of the country until new free, transparent and credible presidential elections can be called in order to restore democracy.
Members rejected any proposals or attempts to resolve the crisis that might entail the use of violence.
Parliament called on the VP/HR to engage with the countries in the region and any other key actors with the aim of creating a contact group which could mediate with a view to building an agreement on the calling of free, transparent and credible presidential elections based on an agreed calendar, equal conditions for all actors, transparency and international observation.