The European Union will spend more than USD 40 million to help Venezuelans suffering through a deepening humanitarian crisis even as the country's leaders have steadfastly denied it needs any foreign assistance.
Most of the money will provide health care, food and clean water to vulnerable Venezuelans living inside and outside of the country, European Commission officials said on Thursday.
European leaders, meanwhile, have threatened a new round of sanctions against Venezuela's top officials, after what it considers President Nicolas Maduro's undemocratic re-election.
Commissioner Christos Stylianides said he recently visited Colombia's border with Venezuela, and signs of the crisis he saw were obvious.
"Many people are lacking crucial medicines and are in need of humanitarian assistance," Stylianides said. "We cannot remain bystanders to this human tragedy."