Border Controversy: EU ‘fully supports’ Guyana’s efforts to maintain peace & security 

European Union Ambassador to Guyana, René van Nes, once again expressed the EU’s support for Guyana’s efforts at resolving the border controversy with Venezuela through a peaceful, legal process.

The Ambassador addressed the border controversy on Friday night as he addressed the 2025 Europe Day celebrations held at the Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown.

In his address- the final Europe Day remarks he will deliver as EU Ambassador to Guyana- Mr. van Nes highlighted that the union deeply values peace and as such, continues to support Guyana’s way of settling the controversy.

“We remain very concerned about the border controversy with Venezuela and fully support Guyana in its efforts at maintaining peace and security

“… Guyana finds itself in a key position in this regard by choosing legal means to defend its sovereignty. At the International Court of Justice, Guyana demonstrated a commitment to a rule-based international order, which we deeply value,” the Ambassador said.

The diplomat’s statement came a week after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) told Venezuela that it shall refrain from conducting, or preparing to conduct, elections in the Essequibo region.

Venezuela had announced that it intends to hold elections in Guyana’s Essequibo for which it has administered for over 100 years, a territory that has been claimed by Venezuela. Over the past few days, the Bolivarian Republic has been issuing notices on the candidates for these elections.

Guyana maintains that Essequibo is an integral part of its sovereign territory, a position upheld by the ICJ in its December 2023 ruling. So the Venezuelan election plan, scheduled for May 25, 2025, is seen by Guyana as a direct violation of the Court’s Order and international law.

Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who addressed the Europe Day event too, welcomed the EU’s continued support for the English-speaking nation.

He said the EU’s “steadfast advocacy for the principles of international law” alongside the Court’s declaration bolster Guyana’s position that differences must be resolved through peaceful means.