In a revealing conversation with Tania Costa, former Spanish MEP Soraya Rodríguez acknowledged on Thursday that Spain may not be honoring the historical and human bonds it shares with Cuba. This dialogue delved into the role of Madrid and the European Union concerning the island's ongoing crisis.
The discussion was sparked by Costa's candid expression of the Cuban community's dissatisfaction: "We are deeply hurt by Spain, as it clearly has not demonstrated the leadership we anticipated. It has already met with regime representatives a couple of times."
Costa further criticized Spanish businesses for paying meager wages to Cuban workers. "They were aware of the poor salaries and accepted it," she stated, highlighting that these companies remained in Cuba until U.S. sanctions forced their exit.
Rodríguez faced the criticism head-on. She admitted that Spanish companies, particularly in the tourism sector, were well aware of the operational conditions and explained the rationale behind the U.S. sanctions.
"I believe Spanish companies are fully aware that any space they vacate will be filled by American businesses. U.S. sanctions are designed to push European, including Spanish, companies out, leaving room for American enterprises," she elaborated.
The Cuban state withheld up to 90% of the foreign currency wages paid to workers in the tourism sector, providing them only with the peso equivalent. Major chains like Meliá and Iberostar operated for years in hotels managed through GAESA, the military conglomerate controlling nearly half of Cuba's economy, with a joint investment of 465 million euros.
Their exit was hastened by Donald Trump's Executive Order 14404, signed on May 1, 2026, which imposed secondary sanctions on those dealing with GAESA. Iberostar withdrew from 12 hotels on June 1, while Meliá ceased operations in 15 on June 3. According to El País, Spanish investment in Cuba plummeted to just 442,230 euros in 2024 and dropped to zero in 2025.
Apart from business ties, Rodríguez appealed to the unique bond that sets Spain apart from the rest of Europe. "We began this conversation discussing the Grandchildren's Law. We have ties that go beyond, that are different from European ones, and yes, perhaps we are not meeting expectations."
She emphasized that this special responsibility should manifest in political leadership, which has been notably absent. The government of Pedro Sánchez held at least three high-level meetings with regime representatives between September 2024 and June 2025, including talks between Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez.
In this context, Rodríguez called for a more proactive EU stance. "I believe that in this situation, the European Union should not turn its back but should assume a leadership role."
The former MEP proposed a specific roadmap: "A dialogue among all Cuban forces without interference. True democracies emerging from a transition process are those crafted by the people themselves."
Meanwhile, the presenter made a poignant comparison: "It strikes us how different things would be if we had received, or were receiving from Europe, the support Ukraine has been getting over all these years..."
Understanding Spain's Role in Cuba's Crisis
Why is the Cuban community disappointed with Spain?
The Cuban community feels let down by Spain as it has not demonstrated the expected leadership and has engaged with the regime in Cuba without pushing for significant changes.
What actions did the U.S. take that affected Spanish companies in Cuba?
The U.S. implemented Executive Order 14404, which imposed secondary sanctions on entities dealing with GAESA, forcing Spanish companies like Iberostar and Meliá to withdraw from Cuba.
How does Soraya Rodríguez view the EU's role regarding Cuba?
Soraya Rodríguez believes the EU should take a more active leadership role, rather than turning its back on the situation, to help facilitate a democratic transition in Cuba.
What is the significance of the Grandchildren's Law in this context?
The Grandchildren's Law symbolizes the deep, historical ties between Spain and Cuba, emphasizing a special bond that should translate into a responsible political relationship.