Verbatim report of proceedings

Tuesday, 4 July 2017 - Strasbourg

Conclusion of the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (Consent) - Conclusion of the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (Resolution) (debate)

  Lars Adaktusson (PPE). – Madam President, the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) is an opportunity to bring hope to a nation in need of freedom and democracy. We all know that the EU could make a difference. We have a unique negotiating position but also a moral obligation to stand up for the oppressed and abused people of Cuba.

However, any normalisation of relations with a dictatorship needs to include conditions for democratic reform and respect for human rights. Regretfully, that is not the case with Cuba. The PDCA establishes a dialogue on human rights. At the same time, no specific demand on the regime is presented by the Commission, a fact that has been described as a political victory for the communist regime.

The brave men and women of the political opposition in Cuba have advised us, the European Parliament, not to support the Treaty. Personally, I will follow that advice and, dear colleagues, I urge you to do the same.