The European Union was unable to issue a joint statement on behalf of all member states regarding the election results in Venezuela because Hungary vetoed it, Babel reports.
According to Politico, citing sources familiar with the matter, the statement expressed concern about alleged “shortcomings and irregularities” during the vote and called for greater transparency, but this was prevented by Budapest’s position.
So on July 29, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell issued a statement on the Venezuelan elections on his own behalf, not the entire bloc. He stated that “credible reports from domestic and international observers indicate that the elections were plagued by numerous flaws and irregularities.”
With Hungary unlikely to back down, Borrell issued another statement on his own behalf the next day instead of seeking support from the 27 EU member states.
Until the voting protocols are made public and verified, the election results as announced cannot be recognized, – the statement reads.
Hungary’s veto underscores a fundamental flaw in EU foreign policy: decisions, including possible future sanctions against Venezuela, must be unanimously agreed upon by all 27 member states. This has prompted several countries, such as Germany, to advocate for a qualified majority to make important decisions in the bloc.
