The government of the Principality of Asturias has bolstered its support for the Asturian community residing in Cuba following an official visit this month and the launch of a financial aid program totaling 500,000 euros, which is 40,000 euros more than the previous year.
Marcos Niño, acting Director General of Emigration and Return Policies, traveled to the island with two social workers from the Principality's Emigration Service to directly assess the needs of Asturians living there.
Direct Assessment Amid Cuba's Crises
The visit occurred against a backdrop of severe economic and energy crises plaguing Cuba. The delegation held meetings in Havana at the Federation of Asturian Associations in Cuba and in Santa Clara at the Casa Canaria.
The primary aim of the trip was to inform about the resources and programs the Principality of Asturias offers regarding emigration and return. They also gathered firsthand information on the main needs of Asturian emigrants on the island.
Eligibility and Application Details
The application for individual aid for 2026 remains open until June 23 and targets Asturians and their first-degree descendants residing in Latin America who are in vulnerable situations.
Eligible applicants include those over 65, individuals aged 18 to 64 who have suffered from gender-based violence, or those with serious illnesses or permanent disabilities preventing them from working.
The general maximum amount is set at 2,000 euros per beneficiary; however, due to Cuba's unique economic context and financial system restrictions, the cap is 600 euros.
Historical Context and Recent Developments
In the last resolved call, the Principality provided 505 grants in Cuba totaling 156,232.28 euros to cover essential needs like food, medicine, and basic expenses.
Cuba has historically been the primary recipient of Asturian aid to emigrants. In the 2024 call, 606 out of 833 total beneficiaries in Latin America were Cuban, receiving 149,338 euros of the 440,000 euros distributed across the region.
In April 2026, Asturias also introduced a new aid line for emigrants over 65 in Latin America, with 100,000 euros available and a maximum of 6,000 euros per beneficiary, aimed at covering elderly residence expenses.
Impact of Current Economic Conditions
The institutional visit came at a time when Cuba is experiencing power outages affecting up to 46% of the territory during peak demand hours, with cuts lasting over 15 hours daily in some areas. The situation has worsened since January 2026 due to new U.S. oil sanctions, deepening a 1,440-megawatt electricity deficit.
The Asturian community in Cuba, described as "one of the largest and most historically rooted" in all of Latin America, originates from the migration waves of the 19th and 20th centuries and continues to be the group that most benefits from the Principality's social programs abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions about Asturias' Support in Cuba
Who is eligible for the financial aid offered by Asturias in Cuba?
The aid is available for Asturians and their first-degree descendants residing in Latin America, particularly those over 65, individuals aged 18 to 64 who are victims of gender-based violence, or those with serious illnesses or permanent disabilities.
What challenges is Cuba currently facing that impact the Asturian community?
Cuba is experiencing severe power outages affecting a significant portion of the territory, alongside economic difficulties exacerbated by U.S. sanctions, resulting in a substantial electricity deficit.
How much financial aid is available for Asturians in Cuba?
While the general maximum aid is 2,000 euros, the cap for recipients in Cuba is 600 euros, adjusted for the island's specific economic circumstances.