Germany is contemplating a significant shift in its stance regarding the U.S. embargo on Cuba at the United Nations, a move that would mark the first such change in 24 years. The government, led by Friedrich Merz, has yet to finalize its position ahead of the upcoming vote scheduled for October 28.
This uncertainty was highlighted in an official statement from the German Foreign Ministry, which was disclosed by the Berliner Zeitung newspaper on October 14.
In a written communication dated October 7 to parliament member Sören Pellmann, State Secretary Géza Andreas von Geyr stated that the government's stance on the resolution demanding the cessation of the U.S. embargo is "still undecided."
This statement suggests a potential diplomatic pivot: since 2002, Germany has consistently supported the resolution introduced annually by Cuba at the UN General Assembly.
In October 2025, Germany once again backed the resolution alongside 164 other nations. However, signs have emerged indicating a possible change in Germany's approach to Cuba.
In July 2026, Germany abstained from a vote to authorize an extraordinary debate on the Cuba embargo at the UN. A month later, its Foreign Ministry argued that tariff threats and economic sanctions do not constitute a "blockade" under international law.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also harshened his rhetoric in June, describing Cuba as a "regime of injustice" and asserting that better governance is essential for improving the lives of Cubans.
The potential for Berlin to change its vote has sparked criticism within the Bundestag. Sören Pellmann, a member of the left-wing Die Linke party, accused the Merz administration of having "completely lost its foreign policy compass."
"Much like in the Ukraine conflict, the Merz-Klingbeil cabinet is betting on aggression and escalation. Such a step would definitively discredit Germany in the Global South," Pellmann told the German press.
Shifts in Global Support for Cuba
Germany's indecision comes after the Cuban regime experienced a notable decline in international backing for its anti-embargo resolution.
In 2024, the initiative garnered 187 supportive votes. However, by October 2025, support dwindled to 165 countries, with seven opposing votes and 12 abstentions. Hungary became the first European Union member to vote against it, while Poland, the Czech Republic, and the three Baltic states chose to abstain.
In July 2026, a separate vote to authorize a special debate on Cuba saw 136 countries in favor, nine against, and 30 abstentions.
The Trump administration has also ramped up efforts to diminish support for Cuba's resolution. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the issue with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, while Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla accused Washington of "pressuring and blackmailing" other governments to alter their votes.
Meanwhile, the Cuban opposition, including activists and organizations like José Daniel Ferrer and Orlando Gutiérrez Boronat, has been urging democratic governments to vote against or abstain from the resolution.
FAQs About Germany's Potential Shift on Cuba Embargo Vote
Why is Germany considering changing its vote on the Cuba embargo?
Germany's potential change in voting stance is linked to evolving diplomatic strategies and a reassessment of its position on international sanctions and relations with Cuba.
What impact could Germany's vote have on the UN resolution?
A change in Germany's vote could influence other countries' positions and alter the level of international support for Cuba, potentially affecting future diplomatic negotiations.
How has global support for Cuba's resolution changed in recent years?
Global support for the resolution has weakened, with fewer countries voting in favor and some EU members either opposing it or abstaining from the vote.