Election mission will pressure both sides in Venezuela

Significance

The move is significant. This will be the first EU EOM to Venezuela in 15 years and it marks a distancing from key opposition figures' call for abstention. The announcement comes amid growing tension in Norwegian-led dialogue efforts.

Impacts

• The presence of the EU will open the CNE to an unprecedented level of scrutiny.
• The EOM will curtail the influence of radical opposition voices that support electoral boycotts.
• The EU decision will have the backing of the countries that are supporting the Norwegian dialogue effort.