Belgium Shuts Down Embassy in Cuba, Leaving Cuban Regime "Surprised and Disappointed"

Belgium has decided to close its embassy in Havana as part of a strategic reorganization of its diplomatic network. This move has elicited a swift response from the Cuban regime, which expressed "surprise and disappointment" over the announcement.

On November 18, the Cuban Embassy in Belgium confirmed the decision, releasing a statement lamenting Brussels' choice and asserting that the action does not align with the historical ties between the two countries.

Havana is baffled by Belgium's decision after more than 120 years of bilateral relations that have fostered cultural, academic, scientific, economic, and consular exchanges, according to the statement.

The regime claims that this closure is at odds with Belgium's purported interest in strengthening connections with Latin America and the Caribbean. They expressed hope that the measure would not damage ties between institutions, businesses, or the "many friends established between both peoples."

Despite the diplomatic protest, on November 20, the Cuban Embassy attempted to reinforce a friendly narrative regarding the bilateral relationship. They launched a campaign on their X account celebrating "120 years of friendship and cooperation" between the nations, accompanied by the message: "Follow us! #LiftTheBlockade."

Belgium's Explanation: "A Strategic Redeployment"

Days before Cuba's complaint, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot explained that the decision was part of a comprehensive restructuring of Belgium's embassy network. Belgium plans to strengthen about 20 diplomatic representations, open five new ones, and close eight, including the one in Havana, aiming to optimize resources and focus on regions with more significant political and economic interests.

Prévot emphasized that closing the embassy does not mean ending diplomatic relations with Cuba. He clarified that the relationship would continue through embassies in neighboring countries and special envoys. Consular services for Belgian tourists in the Caribbean will be managed from Panama.

In his statement, the minister described the plan as a future-oriented move rather than a political rupture. He defended Belgium's right to "reconsider its network of diplomatic posts" without being bound by historical presence, dismissing the notion that long-standing ties necessitate a permanent diplomatic presence.

Another Diplomatic Closure Affecting Havana

The closure of the Belgian embassy comes just a month after Ukraine also announced the end of its diplomatic presence in Cuba and a downgrading of bilateral relations. This decision was due to the Cuban regime's complicity with Russia and the recruitment of Cubans for the war in Ukraine.

At the time, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry explained that their vote at the UN in support of the U.S. embargo against Cuba was in response to Cuban authorities' inaction regarding the recruitment of citizens by the Russian military. Kyiv accused the regime of supporting Moscow's aggression and clarified that their decision targeted the Cuban government, not its people.

A Diplomatic Setback for Havana

Although the regime attempts to portray these closures as mere administrative decisions by other states, the withdrawal of embassies highlights a decline in Cuba's international relations during a period of deep political and economic crisis.

The loss of diplomatic presence within its borders reduces Havana's maneuverability, limits its access to bilateral cooperation, and places it in a more dependent position on alliances with Moscow and other internationally questioned governments.

For now, the Cuban government claims it will continue working to "expand ties of friendship and cooperation," but it will have to do so with fewer physical interlocutors on its soil. Meanwhile, Belgium has confirmed that the decision is final, with the withdrawal set to be implemented between 2026 and 2027.