EU Statement – UN General Assembly: Embargo imposed by the USA against Cuba

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President,

I have the honour to make this statement on behalf of the EU and its member states.

The Candidate Countries Montenegro, Albania*, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the EFTA country Norway, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Andorra, San Marino and the United Kingdom align themselves with this statement.

Today's debate is about the US' economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. The European Union acknowledges the adverse humanitarian impact these measures have on the Cuban people and reaffirms the UN Charter as the guiding framework, at a moment where Cubans are facing increasingly dire conditions. We believe that humanitarian support and access must be protected under all circumstances.

Nevertheless, the dire situation of the Cuban people is not only due to the embargo. Meaningful political and economic reforms by the Cuban authorities are urgently needed. These reforms should include the full respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Cuban people and the release of all individuals who have been arbitrarily detained. Moreover, the EU urges the Cuban authorities to make concrete advances towards opening spaces for a constructive and inclusive dialogue with civil society.

While reaffirming the importance of respecting international law in all contexts, we deeply regret that Cuba's position on Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine has not been consistent with the principles of the UN Charter. This was exemplified by its vote against the 24 February resolution on support for a ceasefire and lasting peace in Ukraine. In this context, the EU urges Cuba to refrain from providing any support to Russia's aggression and to take all necessary and effective measures to prevent its nationals from joining Russian military forces involved in the war.

President,

US extraterritorial measures against Cuba negatively affect EU economic interests and violate commonly accepted rules of international trade. In order to protect the interests of natural or legal persons residing in the EU against the extraterritorial application of the Helms-Burton Act, EU law forbids our Member States from implementing that legislation.

The EU reaffirms its support to dialogue and a diplomatic solution between the US and Cuba, grounded in international law, including the principles of the UN Charter.

Millions of Cubans today face daily power outages, shortages of medicines and food, collapsing public services, and growing difficulties in accessing even the most basic healthcare. Hospitals struggle to function. Families spend hours searching for fuel, transport or essential products.

Cubans want a better life. They aspire to freedom and opportunity and deserve a brighter future.

The EU will continue its critical yet constructive engagement with Cuba to support the country's institutional, economic, social and political modernisation. We stand ready to share our experience. We will also continue to support the Cuban population with humanitarian assistance to address its urgent needs.

But let us be equally clear: humanitarian support alone will not solve Cuba's crisis.

Important sovereign decisions can no longer be postponed.

I thank you.

1. North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.