Dutch Members of Parliament are cutting their winter recess short to address the U.S. military action in Venezuela, a move that has sparked significant international and domestic backlash. The debate, initiated by ChristenUnie MP Don Ceder, is set for Thursday at 5 PM, ahead of the scheduled end of the recess on January 12.
THE HAGUE:--- The U.S. raid, which led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, has raised concerns about its implications for the Dutch Caribbean islands—Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire—located near Venezuela’s coast. While the caretaker Dutch government has refrained from directly condemning the U.S. action, Foreign Affairs Minister David van Weel has aligned with the European Union’s call for adherence to international law.
However, prominent Dutch political figures have been more vocal. Rob Jetten, leader of D66 and a likely candidate for the next prime minister, criticized the U.S. intervention as a violation of international law and warned of the dangerous precedent it sets. Similarly, GroenLinks–PvdA leader Jesse Klaver described the raid as a “dangerous precedent” with global ramifications.
Media and Public Reaction
Dutch media outlets and commentators have been notably critical. The Financiële Dagblad and BNR radio’s Bernard Hammelburg labeled the U.S. action as showing “contempt for international law.” Hammelburg argued that the Trump administration’s disregard for European criticism underscores a broader disdain for international norms.
The Volkskrant editorial board condemned the invasion as an “imperialist” act, asserting that it cannot be justified under international law. The paper warned that such unilateral military actions contribute to global instability. Similarly, the NRC described the raid as a clear message from Trump: “If you want something, take it—by force if necessary.”
Geopolitical Concerns
The raid has also drawn sharp reactions from global powers like Russia and China, both allies of Venezuela. Dutch commentators have expressed concern that the U.S. action could embolden other nations to pursue aggressive strategies, citing potential risks in regions such as Ukraine and Taiwan.
The NRC emphasized the need for a strong European response, urging leaders to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to uphold international law. The editorial also highlighted the importance of supporting multilateral institutions like the United Nations in maintaining global order.
As the Dutch Parliament prepares for its debate, the incident underscores the growing challenges to international norms and the urgent need for a unified European stance.
