The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, announced on Wednesday during a session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg that the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) with Cuba is undergoing a review. This statement emerged during a focused debate on the island's political repression and humanitarian challenges.
Activist Carolina Barrero from the organization Citizenship and Freedom welcomed Kallas's remarks, viewing them as a direct acknowledgment of the persistent advocacy efforts by Cuban civil society towards European institutions over the years.
Kallas was forthright in admitting that the PDCA has not met the anticipated outcomes nearly a decade after its implementation. She warned Cuba's regime that "a negotiated reform today is preferable to the country collapsing tomorrow."
The chief European diplomat also called on Havana to cease its "unyielding control over the economy" and to embrace "private initiative, investment, entrepreneurship, and economic modernization."
During the same debate, Kallas firmly stated that "the European Union does not finance the Cuban state" and emphasized that "humanitarian aid will not resolve Cuba's crisis, but merely alleviate immediate human suffering."
Citizenship and Freedom also shared a video clip where Kallas aligns with the sentiment that "communism never works."
Barrero recalled a recent trip with Amelia Calzadilla to Brussels, where they met with senior European officials, including the European Parliament's Vice President Esteban González Pons. Following these meetings, they had disclosed that the PDCA was in its "initial stages of review."
"From Citizenship and Freedom, we will continue to insist that this review cannot become a mere bureaucratic or cosmetic exercise. Europe faces a fundamental political decision today: to continue legitimizing an authoritarian regime or to take a stance consistent with democratic principles and human rights," Barrero wrote.
The journey to this point has been lengthy. In January 2026, the European Parliament approved an amendment with 331 votes to reassess and suspend privileged cooperation with Cuba, citing Cuba's support for Russia and human rights violations.
On May 5, opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer addressed the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, describing Cuba as being in "the worst crisis of its modern history" and likening the EU-Cuba agreement to "an aspirin for a terrible cancer."
Spanish conservative MEP Gabriel Mato highlighted during the debate the blackouts and the "more than 1,200 political prisoners" in Cuba, stating that "the European Union should feel ashamed for maintaining an agreement" that "has not served at all to advance democracy."
The backdrop is a Cuba experiencing power outages lasting up to 30 hours daily and an exacerbated energy crisis following the halt of Venezuelan crude supply after Nicolás Maduro's capture in January 2026.
Barrero emphasized that on May 20, Republic Day of Cuba, the occasion is also marked by the anticipation of a possible announcement regarding a legal process against Raúl Castro.
The European Parliament's definitive resolution on Cuba, which could mandate the suspension of the PDCA, is set to be voted on in the June 2026 session.
Key Questions Surrounding the EU-Cuba Agreement
What is the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) between the EU and Cuba?
The PDCA is an agreement aimed at fostering political dialogue and cooperation between the European Union and Cuba, focusing on areas like human rights, environmental protection, and economic development.
Why is the EU considering a review of the PDCA with Cuba?
The EU is reviewing the PDCA due to the lack of expected results, ongoing political repression, and human rights violations in Cuba, alongside pressure from civil society groups.
What are the implications of potentially suspending the PDCA?
Suspending the PDCA could lead to a reduction in diplomatic engagement and cooperation between the EU and Cuba, impacting areas like trade, investment, and humanitarian aid.