(Washington, January 30, 2026) Venezuelan leader María Corina Machado spoke this Friday with at least 14 heads of state from the European Union gathered in Zagreb. During the meeting, organized by the European People’s Party (EPP), Machado stated that the Venezuelan regime has become a “sanctuary for the enemies of the West,” and that democratic forces are ready to move forward with strength and determination.
María Corina warned that international terrorist groups maintain alliances with Nicolás Maduro’s regime and cautioned about the serious consequences this poses for international security.
Regarding the internal situation in Venezuela, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate denounced that Venezuelans are living in fear due to repression. She specifically highlighted citizens’ fear of the actions carried out by officers of the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM) and insisted on the need to dismantle the country’s repressive apparatus.
She also warned about the persecution of journalists and recalled that there are more than 700 political prisoners in Venezuela who must be released. She highlighted the case of a mother who was detained while pregnant.
Machado explained to the European heads of state that at least 65 of those political prisoners are foreign nationals, many of them European citizens.
Reunión de MCM con los jefes de Estado
The urgency of a transition
On the issue of political transition, she stated that Venezuelans have never been as strong as they are now in their fight for freedom and that they have demonstrated their “love for democracy.” She took the opportunity to thank them for their continued support and solidarity with the cause and with President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia, in defense of the popular sovereignty expressed by Venezuelans.
“Our absolute determination is to move forward with strength and determination. Venezuela will be free soon,” Machado said during the meeting.
“I am seeking to return to Venezuela”
María Corina also noted that during her stay in Washington she has met with members of both the Republican Party and the Democratic Party, which, she said, demonstrates that the Venezuelan cause has bipartisan support. She also recalled her meetings with President Donald Trump and with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“I am seeking to return to Venezuela as soon as possible, and I have requested the support of the United States Government to make that possible,” she added.
Finally, she thanked the European leaders who have raised their voices in favor of freedom in Venezuela, particularly the president of Spain’s Popular Party for his statement on the Venezuelan crisis.
In addition to the heads of state, the meeting was also attended by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola; the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen; the President of the European People’s Party, Manfred Weber; the Group’s Secretary General, Dolors Montserrat; and the President of Spain’s Popular Party, Alberto Núñez Feijóo.