MEPs gave their consent to the first ever EU-Cuba cooperation agreement, thereby marking a turning point in bilateral relations.

“With this vote the European Parliament is giving its support to use dialogue and cooperation with Cuba as the best instruments to build a constructive and future-oriented relationship, beneficial for citizens on both sides of the Atlantic” – EP the rapporteur Elena Valenciano (S&D, ES) said.

Without clearly mentioning the US embargo, MEPs are opposed to “laws and measures with extraterritorial effect”, given that they are “harmful to the Cuban population”. The EU-Cuba deal should contribute to improving the living conditions and social rights of Cuban citizens, MEPs add.

The Cuban government should align its human rights policy with international standards and ratify the United Nations human rights conventions still pending, urge MEPs. They recall that the PDCA includes a provision to suspend the agreement, if the provisions on human rights are violated.