Virtual Event – Venezuela in 2026: What Do Recent Developments Mean for the Region and for Europe?

Earlier this month, the United States carried out a military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, sending shockwaves through global politics and raising intense debate over sovereignty and international law.

Europe has responded by reinforcing its longstanding restrictive measures — including travel bans and asset freezes on Venezuelan officials — aimed at pressuring Caracas to respect democracy and human rights, while also increasing support for those affected by the deep socio-economic crisis. In recent years the Venezuela crisis had exacerbated migration flows, making Venezuelans one of the largest groups seeking asylum in the EU, which continues to strain EU migration and integration systems. European governments are also watching for broader geopolitical fallout, as Latin American reactions vary and tensions with Russia and other powers complicate cooperation on energy and security issues. Overall, developments in Venezuela could influence Europe’s foreign policy priorities, balancing pressure for democratic reforms with energy market stability and multilateral engagement.

Join us for a discussion about the situation in Venezuela and the implications of recent developments for Europe with Latin America and foreign policy expert Irmgard Maria Fellner on Wednesday, January 21 at 11 am ET.

Irmgard Maria Fellner currently serves as a Visiting Fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, SWP), with a special focus on Latin America, critical minerals, and global affairs. Ms. Fellner studied Humanities and Political Science, and worked for the European Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly before joining the German Foreign Service in 1993. Her previous postings include German Ambassador to Chile, Director for Federal Foreign Cultural Policy, Deputy Chief of Mission to Italy and San Marino, Head of the Office of Transatlantic Coordinator Karsten D. Voigt. From 2007 to 2010, she served as an Advisor to French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner. She also worked on European Foreign and Security Policy and Afghanistan and served in Brazil. During her posting in Washington, D.C. (1999-2002), she was the German Observer to the Organization of American States (OAS).