• Italy’s Giorgia Meloni described military action against Venezuela as legitimate defensive intervention against drug trafficking
• France, Germany, and Spain emphasized respect for international law while calling operation problematic
• European division reveals deepening ideological splits over Trump administration’s use of military force

ROME (TDR) — Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni broke sharply from European consensus Saturday by describing the United States military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as a legitimate defensive action, drawing immediate criticism from opposition parties and highlighting deep divisions within the continent over President Donald Trump‘s use of force.

In a carefully worded statement from Palazzo Chigi, Meloni acknowledged that “external military action is not the way forward to bring an end to totalitarian regimes,” but immediately added that her government “considers defensive action to be legitimate against hybrid security attacks, as in the case of state entities that fuel and facilitate drug trafficking.”

European Allies Voice Strong Concerns

The Italian leader’s position contrasted sharply with statements from major European Union powers, which emphasized adherence to international law while expressing alarm about the precedent set by the overnight raid on Caracas.

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France delivered one of the strongest European criticisms through Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who told French television that while Maduro’s departure brings “good news for the Venezuelans,” the military operation “infringes the principles of international law.”

“The military operation that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro violates the principle of not resorting to force, that underpins international law. France reiterates that no lasting political solution can be imposed from the outside.”

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Maduro’s removal while calling for a peaceful democratic transition, stating the Venezuelan people are now “rid of the dictatorship.”

Germany Questions Legal Justification

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the legal assessment of the intervention as “complex and requires careful consideration,” noting that Germany never recognized Maduro’s presidency after his disputed 2024 election victory.

“The legal classification of the U.S. intervention still needs to be examined. We will take our time with that.”

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Some German lawmakers went further. Roderich Kiesewetter, a prominent Christian Democratic Union member, called the U.S. operation a coup, declaring that “with President Trump, the U.S. are abandoning the rules-based order that has shaped us since 1945.”

Spain took a firm stance against the intervention while maintaining its previous non-recognition of Maduro’s government. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated Spain “will not recognize a U.S. intervention that violates international law,” offering to mediate a peaceful solution.

Meloni’s Pro-Trump Alignment

Meloni’s support for the Venezuela operation reflects her close alignment with Trump and marks a departure from traditional Italian foreign policy. The Italian leader spoke Sunday with Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado about a transition of power, with both agreeing Maduro’s removal opens “a new chapter.”

Critics within Italy quickly condemned the position. Former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte declared the operation has “no legal basis” and represents “a blatant violation of international law.” The Five Star Movement demanded an urgent parliamentary briefing from Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

Broader European Response

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated the bloc has “repeatedly stated that Mr. Maduro lacks legitimacy,” while calling for restraint and respect for international law. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would “shed no tears about the end of his regime” while emphasizing support for international law.

International Legal Concerns

The United Nations expressed deep alarm about the operation’s implications, with Secretary-General António Guterres warning the strikes set “a dangerous precedent.” The divergent European responses reflect deeper questions about the continent’s relationship with Washington under Trump’s second administration, as some leaders embrace closer alignment with American interventionism while traditional powers remain committed to multilateral approaches.

Will Meloni’s support for unilateral U.S. military action fracture European unity on fundamental questions of international law and sovereignty?

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