VP/HR — negotiations on an EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement

Parliamentary questions

27 February 2015

Question for written answer
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)

Rule 130
Ilhan Kyuchyuk (ALDE)

Subject: VP/HR — negotiations on an EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement

In 2014, President Obama announced important US policy measures towards Cuba, heralding a long-awaited change in the fraught relations between the communist-ruled island country and its North American neighbour. Meanwhile, the EU has already started negotiations aimed at strengthening its relations with Cuba. By forging a new agreement, the EU intends to accompany Cuba in the ongoing process of change and modernisation by providing a stronger framework for political dialogue and improved cooperation. The defence and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms remain central to the relationship. It is important to note that the third round of negotiations between the EU and Cuba will be held in Cuba in March 2015.

1. What steps does the European External Action Service (EEAS) plan to take in order to guarantee that the Cuban Government will make real reforms rather than cosmetic changes in the shadow of the suspension of diplomatic ties between EU and Cuba in 2003, when Havana launched a crackdown and jailed 75 dissidents as a direct response to calls for liberalisation and greater respect for human rights?

2. How does the EEAS intend to involve civil society in the negotiations?

Тази публикация е достъпна и на следните езици: Bulgarian