European Parliament President Antonio Tajani on Aug. 2 called for sanctions on Venezuelan government officials including President Nicolas Maduro following the arrest of the country's opposition leaders, Reuters reported.

In a letter, Tajani said he would like to consider "freezing the assets and imposing a travel ban to the EU to the members of the Venezuelan government, including Maduro and its entourage."

Like the U.S., the EU refuses to recognize the legitimacy of Venezuela's July 30 vote creating a constituent assembly, but the bloc has yet to announce sanctions.

Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security policy, said the bloc was "ready to gradually step up" its response if democratic principles are further undermined and the Venezuelan constitution is not respected.