THE HAGUE - A large number of EU countries, including the Netherlands, officially recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president of Venezuela on Monday. This happened after the expiration of an ultimatum. The EU had imposed a deadline for the calling of new elections by incumbent President Nicolas Maduro.

The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and France, among others, have recognized Guaidó in an official statement on Monday morning. Sweden, Austria and Denmark also support the opposition leader.