On May 7, a Polish minister who supports Cuban freedom jokingly told Javier Larrondo from Prisoners Defenders and me that Cuba’s current tragedy is our own fault. He suggested that if we had remained a Spanish colony, we might now enjoy the benefits of European Union membership and prosperity.
My response highlighted that 1898 is long behind us, but the misguided policies of Spain's socialist government, along with its supporters, might cause Spain—and the entire European Union—to lose Cuba once again. In a future free Cuba, we will remember who stood by us and who helped sustain the oppressive Castro-communist regime.
European Parliament's Stance on Cuba
Recently, the European Parliament voted on a resolution concerning political repression and the humanitarian situation in Cuba. This isn't an isolated action. For years, the European Parliament has consistently passed resolutions condemning the Cuban regime's repression, demanding the release of political prisoners, and denouncing the persecution of dissidents, independent journalists, artists, religious activists, and human rights defenders. They have repeatedly called for European policy towards Havana to be contingent on respecting fundamental rights and freedoms.
Significant resolutions from the European Parliament on Cuba were recorded in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2024, highlighting the need to end repression and activate the mechanisms of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement, including the suspension clause for severe human rights violations.
Urgency in Addressing Cuba's Crisis
The new resolution comes at a critical time. The European Parliament announced that the vote would address the humanitarian crisis, political repression, and the European Union's role in Cuba's future. This debate took place with the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas.
The resolution, titled "Proposal for a Resolution on Political Repression and the Humanitarian Situation in Cuba," was submitted for a vote on June 16, 2026. The resolution was a strong initiative backed by the European People's Party, the largest group in the European Parliament, alongside other forces like the European Conservatives and Reformists, and aligned with liberal and democratic right sectors calling for a more stringent European policy towards Havana.
Push for European Action
The European People's Party demanded substantial assistance for Cuba upon a credible democratic transition and called for the suspension of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement with the Cuban regime if concrete steps towards democratization aren’t taken. The European Conservatives and Reformists supported the "Cuban Liberation Agreement" and urged direct dialogue with Cuban opposition and civil society platforms.
While the European Parliament's resolutions have been morally clear, the European Commission, European Council, and EU diplomacy have lacked the same resolve. For too long, they've upheld a lukewarm, bureaucratic, and even complicit policy, clinging to "dialogue" with a dictatorship that refuses to engage with its people, incarcerates, intimidates, and forces them into exile.
Time for Europe to Act
The Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Cuba was initiated with promises of openness, respect for human rights, and space for civil society. However, the reality has been starkly different. Under this agreement, the Cuban regime has continued to imprison dissidents, torture, and even starve them in dire prison conditions, repress peaceful protests, harass the families of political prisoners, attack religious freedom, criminalize independent press, and punish young people, women, activists, and artists for simply demanding freedom.
Europe cannot continue to finance and legitimize a criminal tyranny that not only opposes the Cuban people but also the fundamental values the European Union claims to uphold: democracy, freedom, human rights, political pluralism, market economy, and rule of law. Moreover, the Cuban regime is a political and strategic ally of Russia (supporting the invasion against Ukraine), Belarus, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Iran, and other declared adversaries of the free world.
This resolution, now approved, must not be just another statement. If the European Parliament speaks clearly, the Commission and Council cannot ignore it. Declarations and verbal condemnations are insufficient; action is required. The agreement with the dictatorship must be suspended, all cooperation that strengthens its repressive structures must cease, independent civil society must be directly supported, democratic opposition must be recognized, and European assistance must be prepared for the transition process.
The European Union cannot remain complicit with tyranny. It must adhere to its principles, stand firm against the undemocratic regime, and show solidarity with the victims. It's time to align with its old ally, the United States, which maintains a policy of maximum pressure against the communist regime and direct assistance to the oppressed Cuban people. The EU must choose the right side of history or risk being poorly positioned morally, politically, and economically in Cuba.
Once we achieve our long-sought freedom, Cubans will prioritize and cherish relationships with those who were truly our friends. Those who sided with the oppressors until the end will not earn the sympathy of our people. The current policy of the EU's 27 members towards Cuba affects us, and it is not in the EU's interest to lose a people that admires it and wishes to have it as an ally and important trading partner.
Key Questions About the European Union's Role in Cuba
What is the European Parliament's stance on Cuba?
The European Parliament has consistently condemned the Cuban regime's repression and demanded the release of political prisoners. They have called for European policy towards Havana to be contingent on respecting fundamental rights and freedoms.
What actions has the European People's Party proposed regarding Cuba?
The European People's Party has demanded substantial assistance for Cuba upon a credible democratic transition and called for suspending the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement with the Cuban regime if concrete steps towards democratization aren’t taken.
How has the European Union's approach to Cuba been described?
The European Union's approach has been criticized as lukewarm, bureaucratic, and even complicit, maintaining dialogue with a dictatorship that refuses to engage with its people and upholds repression.