BRUSSELS - The European Parliament has officially recognized opposition candidate Edmundo González as the legitimate winner of Venezuela's presidential election, which took place in July. In a resolution passed with 309 votes in favor and 201 against, the European Parliament called on President Nicolás Maduro to transfer power to González by January 10, 2025. 

While the European Parliament does not directly influence the foreign policy of European Union member states, it hopes this declaration will encourage EU countries to take a stand against Maduro. Some nations have already urged Maduro to respect democratic principles and provide proof of his electoral victory. 

The resolution was put forward by the center-right European People’s Party (EPP), with support from the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group and a member of the Spanish Vox party. This collaboration is significant, as the EPP had previously ruled out working with far-right parties like Vox and the Dutch PVV. 

Following Maduro’s disputed victory, widespread protests broke out in Venezuela, resulting in 25 deaths, according to the United Nations. Opposition leader González fled the country and has since been granted asylum in Spain. 

This recognition from the European Parliament adds international pressure on Maduro’s government ahead of the 2025 transfer of power.