Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, announced on Friday that a new consulate general will be established in Cuba "very soon," although he did not specify an exact opening date. The announcement was made during the unveiling of Spain's Foreign Action Strategy for 2025-2028 at the ministry's headquarters in Madrid, where the foreign minister outlined plans to enhance Spain's global consular network.
“We need to rethink our international presence,” Albares emphasized, indicating that the implementation of the new strategy "necessitates a comprehensive renewal and resizing of resources." He also highlighted the government's focus on improving "working conditions for foreign service staff," through initiatives such as the first salary increase for local staff since 2009, expanding the workforce by 150 positions following the enactment of the Democratic Memory Law, and investing 115 million euros in the digitalization of consular services.
This modernization effort aims to create "a real transformation in how the 3 million Spaniards living abroad interact with consulates and embassies," according to Albares. While the specific location of the new consulate in Cuba remains undisclosed, it forms part of the broader objectives of the 2025-2028 Strategy, which seeks to "strengthen Spain's capabilities within a more autonomous Europe, defend national values and interests globally, and safeguard the life projects of Spaniards abroad."
Enhancing Services for Spanish Nationals in Cuba
Last April, the Spanish government confirmed plans to open new consulates general in the Caribbean nation, a move intended to improve services for Spanish citizens and their descendants on the island. This expansion responds to the increasing demand for services at the Havana diplomatic mission, especially since the implementation of the Democratic Memory Law (LMD or Grandchildren's Law), amidst user complaints of irregularities and delays in essential processes such as visa issuance, nationality acquisition, and civil registry procedures.
Initially, it was suggested that the new consulate might be located in Camagüey or Santiago de Cuba, options that had been considered in previous years. Spain is also rolling out a series of technological reforms aimed at streamlining and modernizing consular services. One such initiative is the Dicireg platform, which enables the digital issuance of Consular Civil Registry certificates and is currently operational in 81 consular offices worldwide.
FAQs About Spain's New Consulate in Cuba
Why is Spain opening a new consulate in Cuba?
Spain is opening a new consulate in Cuba to enhance services for Spanish citizens and their descendants, addressing increased demand and complaints about delays and irregularities in essential services.
What improvements are planned for Spain's consular services?
Spain plans to modernize consular services through digitalization, investing 115 million euros in this effort, and introducing platforms like Dicireg for efficient service delivery.
Where might the new Cuban consulate be located?
Though not confirmed, potential locations for the new consulate in Cuba include Camagüey or Santiago de Cuba.