This Tuesday, the European Union called on the Cuban regime to urgently implement political and economic reforms during the United Nations General Assembly debate on the U.S. embargo on Cuba. The message was clear: the crisis affecting the Cuban people cannot be blamed solely on Washington's sanctions.
European ambassador to the United Nations, Stavros Lambrinidis, delivered the address on behalf of the EU and its member states, alongside candidate countries such as Montenegro, Albania, Moldova, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Norway, Andorra, San Marino, and the United Kingdom.
While acknowledging the humanitarian impact of the embargo on Cubans, Lambrinidis was adamant that it alone does not account for the island's predicament: "The severe plight of the Cuban people isn't solely due to the embargo. Significant political and economic reforms are urgently needed from the Cuban authorities. These reforms should include full respect for human rights and the fundamental freedoms of the Cuban people, as well as the release of all arbitrarily detained individuals."
Call for Inclusive Dialogue
The European diplomat also demanded that the regime open channels for constructive and inclusive dialogue with civil society. This plea gains particular significance as Cuba currently holds 1,281 political prisoners, according to data cited by the European Parliament at the end of May 2026.
Criticism of Cuba's Foreign Policy Stance
A critical part of the speech was the direct rebuke to Havana for its alignment with Moscow. "We deeply regret that Cuba's stance on Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine hasn't been consistent with the principles of the UN Charter," stated Lambrinidis, referring to Cuba's vote against the February 24 resolution calling for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
The EU urged the regime to refrain from supporting Russian aggression and to prevent Cuban citizens from joining Russian military forces, alluding to the estimated 20,000 Cubans recruited since 2023 to fight in the conflict.
Current State of Crisis in Cuba
The UN debate coincided with Cuba enduring its third nationwide blackout in 2026, leaving more than 68% of the island without electricity at the same time.
Lambrinidis painted a stark picture of daily life for Cubans: "Millions are facing daily power outages, shortages of medicine and food, collapsing public services, and increasing difficulties accessing even the most basic healthcare. Hospitals are struggling to operate. Families spend hours searching for fuel, transportation, or essential goods."
The European address is part of a progressively tougher stance from Brussels towards Havana.
In June, the European Parliament approved sanctions against Díaz-Canel with 283 votes in favor, including measures against leaders of the military conglomerate GAESA and the suspension of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement signed in 2016.
High Representative Kaja Kallas admitted in May that the agreement "has not yielded the desired results" after nearly a decade.
Regarding the Helms-Burton Act, the EU reiterated its opposition to the extraterritorial application of this law, which affects European economic interests, and reaffirmed that EU law prohibits its member states from implementing it.
Lambrinidis concluded his remarks with a message summarizing the European stance: "Let us be equally clear: humanitarian aid alone will not solve Cuba's crisis. Important sovereign decisions can no longer be deferred."
Key Questions About EU's Position on Cuba
What reforms is the EU urging Cuba to implement?
The EU is calling for significant political and economic reforms, including full respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the release of arbitrarily detained individuals.
Why is the EU critical of Cuba's foreign policy?
The EU criticizes Cuba for aligning with Russia in its war against Ukraine, which contradicts the principles of the UN Charter. The EU urges Cuba to abstain from supporting Russian aggression.
How has the EU's stance towards Cuba changed recently?
The EU has taken a stricter stance by approving sanctions against Díaz-Canel and suspending the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement, citing the agreement's failure to deliver expected outcomes.