The European Parliament recently passed a powerful resolution concerning Cuba, with a vote of 283 in favor, 199 against, and 85 abstentions. This is not just another routine declaration or symbolic condemnation. The Parliament has called for sanctions against those responsible for repression, the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, profound economic and political reforms, direct humanitarian aid to the Cuban people, and an end to the regime's military cooperation with Russia and Belarus.
The resolution denounces the systematic repression executed by the Castro-communist regime, asserting that after more than six decades of communism, Cuba is on the brink of becoming a failed state. It highlights that the current humanitarian crisis—where 89% of families live in extreme poverty—is not due to any external embargo, but rather the failure of the model imposed by the dictatorship.
This statement carries significant political and moral weight: Europe acknowledges that the main cause of Cuban misery lies within the country itself, in a totalitarian system that has devastated the economy and stripped fundamental human rights and freedoms.
At the close of May 2026, the Parliament noted that Cuba held 1,281 political prisoners, the highest number on record, including minors. This is why it demands the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained for exercising their rights. Additionally, it calls for an end to torture and mistreatment, and for reparations for victims. The resolution doesn't just call for abstract reforms; it places a spotlight on the specific victims of repression.
Targeted Sanctions and Political Transition
One of the critical components of the resolution is the call for targeted sanctions under the European Union's global human rights sanctions regime against those responsible for the repression. It names dictator Miguel Díaz-Canel and the leaders of GAESA, the military conglomerate that controls a significant portion of the Cuban economy and materially supports the repressive machinery. It further demands that if clear steps towards democratic transition are not taken soon, the EU should suspend the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement with the Cuban regime.
This agreement has been portrayed for years as a means to promote openness and respect for human rights but has, in practice, served to oxygenate, legitimize, and finance a tyranny that refuses to engage in dialogue with its people. Under its auspices, the regime has continued to imprison dissidents, suppress peaceful protests, criminalize independent media, harass the families of prisoners, persecute religious freedom, and force thousands of Cubans into exile.
Support for a Cuban-Led Transition
The resolution also advocates for a transition led by Cubans themselves, both within and outside the island, towards a full and pluralistic democracy, free from persecution, imprisonment, torture, or assassination of dissenters.
It calls for sustainable economic reforms, support for independent actors and private initiatives to prevent a complete collapse. Furthermore, it requests humanitarian channels to ensure that energy, food, and medicines reach the Cuban people directly, bypassing the regime's corrupt hands.
Condemnation of Military Collaboration
Equally important is the condemnation of the Cuban regime's support for Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine, including the recruitment of Cubans to fight against the Ukrainian people, as well as the increased military cooperation with Moscow and alignment with Belarus' dictatorship under Lukashenko.
The Cuban regime is not a neutral partner to Europe; it is an ally of the enemies of freedom.
It is now up to the European Commission, the Council, and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, to act decisively. They cannot continue to look the other way. The Parliament has spoken clearly, expressing gratitude, identifying the reasons for the model's failure, calling for sanctions, demanding the release of political prisoners, requesting direct aid to the people, and warning of the need to suspend the agreement without genuine democratic transition.
The European Union must choose whether it stands with the Cuban people or with the tyranny. Words and verbal condemnations are insufficient. Cooperation that strengthens repressive structures must be severed, perpetrators sanctioned, direct support given to independent civil society, and a genuine assistance policy for transition prepared.
When Cuba achieves freedom, its people will remember who stood by the victims and who chose to align with the oppressors. Europe still has time to make the right choice. It cannot afford to lose a people who admire it, who wish to have it as an ally and a significant trade partner, but who will not forget the difference between true solidarity and complicity disguised as constructive dialogue.
European Parliament's Resolution on Cuba: Key Questions
What are the main demands of the European Parliament's resolution on Cuba?
The resolution calls for sanctions against those responsible for repression, the release of political prisoners, economic and political reforms, direct humanitarian aid to Cubans, and an end to military cooperation with Russia and Belarus.
Why does the European Parliament consider Cuba a potential failed state?
The Parliament views Cuba as on the brink of becoming a failed state due to the long-standing failure of its communist regime, which has led to extreme poverty and systemic repression.
What role does the EU play in promoting change in Cuba?
The EU can promote change by imposing sanctions, suspending cooperation agreements, supporting independent civil society, and providing direct aid to the Cuban people.