Portugal opens crisis desk for 220,000 citizens in Caracas after airstrikes

According to Venezuelan state media, the overnight explosions were blamed on the United States—a claim Washington has not confirmed—and prompted an immediate response from Portugal’s crisis unit, which moved to protect one of the country’s largest expatriate communities abroad.

Quick glance at Portugal’s approach

• Constant liaison with the Embaixada de Portugal in Caracas and EU partners

• Reassurance: No Portuguese nationals harmed; community described as “calm but alert”

• Legal experts warn the strikes may breach Article 2(4) of the UN Charter

• Consular channels open for emergencies; repatriation options under review

Embassy & Government on Alert

Even before dawn broke over Lisbon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had activated its crisis desk. Ambassadors and consuls in Caracas and Valencia remain on standby, relaying updates via secure lines every hour. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa have held multiple briefings, underscoring that the safety of Portuguese citizens is the administration’s top priority.

Officials in Lisbon have also strengthened ties with counterparts in Madrid, Berlin and Paris, forging a common front to push for de-escalation in compliance with international law. In joint statements, EU foreign ministers called for respect of the United Nations Charter and urged all parties to resume democratic norms in Venezuela.

Life for the Portuguese Community

With around 220,000 registered lusodescendentes, Venezuela ranks second only to Brazil as a destination for Portuguese emigrants in Latin America. Many families have hunkered down indoors, following the embassy’s advisory to avoid public gatherings. In the Quinta Crespo quarter of Caracas, local cultural associations streamed Mass services online rather than risk crowded neighbourhood churches.

“It’s unsettling, but we trust our embassy,” says Ana Ribeiro, who has lived in Caracas since 1998. “We stay informed, keep our phones charged and wait for official word before making any decisions.” Portuguese schools and community halls remain open only for virtual events, reflecting a measured calm despite the overnight shockwaves.

Europe’s Unified Stance

Lisbon’s diplomatic cables show close coordination with EU institutions. High Representative Josep Borrell convened an urgent videoconference on Jan 4 to assess humanitarian corridors and explore non-military sanctions. Meanwhile, Portugal has reiterated its refusal to recognise Venezuela’s disputed 2024 election results, insisting on a swift return to democratic governance.

In Brussels, Portugal backed a resolution condemning external military action without UN Security Council authorisation. This aligns with Lisbon’s long-standing emphasis on multilateral solutions, even as it navigates the fine line between solidarity with democratic ideals and non-intervention.

Legal and Humanitarian Concerns

According to Marta Costa, a professor of international law at the University of Lisbon, the strikes—reportedly part of “Operation Absolute Resolve,” which U.S. officials have not publicly confirmed—could contravene Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter unless authorised by the Security Council. At home, parliamentary debate has been split between viewing the raids as a potential catalyst for restoring legitimacy and decrying them as a repeat of early-2000s interventions that unsettled the global order.

Amid these legal debates, the Portuguese government is also preparing humanitarian support. Talks are underway with NGOs in Madrid and Lisbon to funnel medical kits and food supplies should power outages deepen. Consular teams stand ready to assist those requiring urgent help.

Guidance for Portuguese Nationals

The embassy urges nationals to:

Remain indoors and follow local curfews

Keep personal documents and emergency contacts updated on the registo consular portal

Use established hotlines (WhatsApp +351 962 000 123) exclusively for verified emergencies

Additionally, Lisbon is evaluating the rollout of Voltar, a revamped return programme offering financial grants and rapid integration services for those opting to repatriate.

Economic Ripples and Flight Disruptions

Trade ties between Portugal and Venezuela have already felt the tremors. Remittances, crucial for Madeira-based households, risk further decline if airspace restrictions persist. In December, TAP Air Portugal halted its Caracas route; now charter negotiations are in progress with Iberia and local operators to secure alternative options.

Portuguese exporters of wine and canned fish—who dispatched roughly €15 M worth of goods last year—are bracing for payment delays as Venezuelan banks come under renewed scrutiny.

What Lies Ahead

Diplomats in Lisbon expect a UN Security Council meeting shortly, where Portugal will push for an immediate de-escalation and respect for civilian protections. If conditions worsen, the government stands ready to implement emergency evacuation flights and deploy consular staff to neighbouring Guyana or Brazil.

For now, the message in Lisbon is clear: vigilance, solidarity and adherence to international norms will guide Portugal’s response as the situation in Caracas unfolds.