European Parliament Clashes With Spain Over Invitation to Sanctioned Venezuelan Minister
The European Parliament has urged the continuation of sanctions against Delcy Rodríguez, the Foreign Minister of Venezuela, creating a diplomatic rift with the Spanish government’s current foreign policy strategy.
Spain has announced its intention to invite Rodríguez to the Ibero-American Summit, which is scheduled to seize place in Madrid in November 2026.
However, the European Parliament rejected the diplomatic approach championed by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares. In a recent vote, the Parliament called for the maintenance of existing sanctions against the Venezuelan official. Despite the broader assembly’s decision, Spanish socialist representatives voted in favor of the government’s plan.
The Spanish government has remained firm in its decision to extend the invitation, though the move has faced sharp criticism. Opponents argue that the gesture is an attempt to legitimize Rodríguez and the administration she represents.
This disagreement underscores a fundamental tension between Spain’s desire for diplomatic engagement and the European Parliament’s insistence on using sanctions as a primary tool of pressure. The demand to retain sanctions in place highlights the ongoing international struggle to manage the crisis in Venezuela.
