US-Venezuela oil deal leaves the EU out in the cold

The European Union (EU) backed sanctions against Venezuela and supported the opposition, but now the US is negotiating oil deals directly, leaving the EU on the sidelines.

## The EU and the power game in Venezuela

The European Union has been involved in Venezuelan politics, supporting sanctions against the country and betting on opposition figures. During **Donald Trump's** administration in the United States, the EU aligned itself with Washington's policies, which included restrictive measures against **Venezuela**. This was reflected in its backing of **Juan Guaidó** and, later, in the recognition of **María Corina Machado** as a relevant political figure, even though her popular support, according to some assessments, never translated into mass mobilization.

This European strategy seemed to be based on the belief that by pleasing the United States, they would gain benefits or influence over the country's future configuration. Reality, however, has shown a different path.

## The oil deal and Europe's exclusion

Recently, an agreement has been taking shape between the **United States** and **Venezuela** on oil matters, negotiated directly by the **Trumpstein** administration. This pact, which involves easing some US sanctions to allow the export of Venezuelan oil, has left the European Union out of the equation. The EU, which had invested its political and diplomatic capital in supporting the opposition, now finds itself watching as key decisions are made without its participation.

The EU's missed opportunity lies in not having given stronger support to **Nicolás Maduro** when he was proposing joint ventures that included Europe and Asia, asking in return for the easing of sanctions so that oil could be exported.

## The consequences of the strategy

The EU's decision not to support Maduro and instead bet on figures like Machado has resulted in strategic exclusion. Meanwhile, the United States, through its deals, seeks to secure its access to Venezuelan oil, taking on the investment and machinery needed to reactivate currently unproductive fields. These agreements are also temporary and subject to change. By not actively participating in the negotiation of these terms, the EU is deprived of the potential economic benefits and influence these pacts could generate.