Maduro in New York Amid Criminal Charges

Europe’s response to the recent events in Venezuela highlighted a growing unease among European capitals, rather than revealing much about Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, according to H.A. Hellyer, a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London. The situation prompted a reassessment of how predictable the United States has become, as European nations had previously relied on certain U.S. behaviors.

Reactions to the Venezuelan Strike

Many reactions to the Venezuelan strike appeared to be driven by a desire to align with the United States on a particular issue, rather than a direct response to Maduro’s actions. This was evident in the careful framing, or avoidance, of reactions by some governments.

Denmark and Greenland

Denmark’s caution stemmed from concerns about Greenland, a strategically vital Arctic territory. President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested the U.S. could acquire Greenland, prompting anxiety among Danish officials. Denmark’s ambassador to Washington, Jesper Møller Sørensen, publicly stated the expectation of “full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark” on X, addressing figures aligned with Trump who had raised the issue following the Venezuelan strike.

A Strained Formula

Hellyer noted a familiar pattern: public support for international law coupled with a reluctance to directly confront the United States. European nations appeared to be “expressing support for international law, but without wanting to be identified as opposing the U.S.” This raises questions about the long-term stability of the rules-based international order.

The Role of the United States

Hellyer questioned the value of invoking a system that lacks the backing of the world’s most powerful nation.