Verbatim report of proceedings

Wednesday, 12 July 2023 - Strasbourg

22.5. State of the EU-Cuba PDCA in the light of the recent visit of the High Representative to the island (RC-B9-0311/2023, B9-0311/2023, B9-0313/2023, B9-0320/2023, B9-0321/2023, B9-0322/2023)

Mutiski balsojumu skaidrojumi

  Mick Wallace (The Left). – Mr President, at the last plenary, we listened to High Representative Borrell report back from his visit to Cuba in May, and he was strong in his responses to attacks by the far right on the EU—Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement. Borrell acknowledged the extensive reform process undertaken in Cuba initiated by Raul Castro’s transition government: reforms around the private sector, the most progressive family court in the world and a series of high—turnout elections.

Those criticising the PDCA call out human rights abuses in Cuba, but are silent on the human rights impact of the illegal US blockade of the island. They deny the achievements of the Cuban Government in the face of relentless economic terrorism.

The democratic provision of nutrition, healthcare, education, housing and employment; advances in sustainable agriculture, medical care and technology: if we genuinely care about Cuba, we will be doing more to circumvent sanctions, not calling for more punishment for the Cuban people.