THE HAGUE - The Dutch government, represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp, has responded to parliamentary questions regarding alleged fraud in Venezuela's 2025 presidential elections. Despite concerns, the Netherlands will not push for increased sanctions against the Maduro government at the European Union level. The Dutch approach emphasizes supporting democratic recovery rather than imposing additional punitive measures.
Opposition's Victory and International Recognition
Derk Boswijk, a member of the Dutch Parliament (CDA), questioned the Dutch government on its stance regarding Edmundo Gonález Urrutia, the opposition candidate in Venezuela. While several countries such as Panama and Peru have recognized González as the president-elect, others, including the Netherlands, the U.S., and the European Union, have used more cautious language, stating that González appears to have won the most votes based on available data. Ecuador has been more explicit, declaring him the legitimate winner.
The Dutch government has acknowledged this uncertainty, emphasizing that formal recognition of González’s victory depends on further verification and transparency from Venezuela’s National Electoral Council (CNE). Veldkamp highlighted that these elections were for the presidential term from 2025 to 2031, with the inauguration scheduled for January 10, 2025. The situation remains fluid, with different governments choosing varied diplomatic terms regarding the outcome.
U.S. Claims of Election Fraud
Boswijk also raised concerns about claims made by the U.S. regarding the alleged fraud in the Venezuelan elections. The U.S. Secretary of State has referred to "irrefutable evidence" that the opposition won, which led to Boswijk questioning whether the Dutch government shared this view.
Minister Veldkamp responded by highlighting the lack of transparency surrounding the election results. He noted that Maduro was declared the winner by Venezuela’s National Electoral Council without the usual supporting evidence from vote-counting machines. In contrast, the opposition has published 80% of the voting results through documents from these machines, which independent experts have found to be reliable.
The Dutch Government’s Position on Election Evidence
While the Netherlands acknowledges the reliability of the data provided by the opposition and the findings of United Nations experts, it stops short of labeling the evidence as “irrefutable.” Instead, the Dutch government continues to work with international partners, including the EU and U.S., to seek further clarity on the election outcome and ensure a democratic process.
EU Sanctions and Diplomatic Strategy
A key point in the discussion was why the Netherlands and the European Union have not yet explicitly recognized the opposition's victory. Minister Veldkamp explained that the Dutch government seeks to support a sustainable negotiation process aimed at restoring democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela. By using cautious language, the Netherlands hopes to avoid undermining ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The Dutch government remains focused on promoting dialogue and international collaboration, working with regional partners such as Brazil and Colombia. Veldkamp recently engaged in discussions with foreign ministers from these countries, as well as participating in talks with the Brazilian president. During an informal meeting of the EU's Foreign Affairs Council on August 29, Veldkamp stated that the Netherlands would continue to advocate for EU efforts to promote democracy and human rights in Venezuela.
Since 2017, the EU has imposed various sanctions on Venezuela, including an arms embargo and freezing the assets of 54 individuals. These measures have been extended until January 2025, the scheduled date of the presidential inauguration.
Potential for Further Sanctions
Despite international concerns, the Dutch government is not currently advocating for additional EU sanctions against Venezuela. Minister Veldkamp emphasized that diplomatic engagement and dialogue are the preferred routes to resolve the crisis. The imposition of new sanctions is not considered beneficial to the ongoing negotiations for democratic reform.
Supporting Venezuela’s Opposition
The Netherlands is committed to supporting the democratic transition in Venezuela through various channels. As a participant in the 2021 negotiation process between the Maduro regime and the opposition, which led to the Barbados Agreement outlining the terms for the presidential election, the Dutch government has played a role in facilitating democratic discussions. The Dutch Embassy in Caracas also supports several projects focused on human rights and democracy.
In collaboration with the European Union and international partners such as the U.S., UK, and Canada, the Netherlands aims to ensure the restoration of democracy and human rights in Venezuela. Minister Veldkamp confirmed that the Dutch government would continue to take an active role in shaping EU policy towards Venezuela.
Conclusion
While concerns over potential election fraud in Venezuela continue to mount, the Dutch government remains focused on diplomacy and supporting a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Through careful language and collaboration with international partners, the Netherlands is working toward a solution that promotes democracy and human rights without further escalating tensions. For now, the government sees no need for additional sanctions, opting instead to prioritize negotiations and a sustainable path forward for Venezuela.