ADVERTISEMENT
The Swedish Government’s has taken the decision to review the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement with the Cuban regime and cut funding to Havana.
The Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) between the European Union (EU) and Cuba was signed in 2016 and aimed to normalize and strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between the two parties. Its main objectives were to promote dialogue on political issues, human rights, and economic development while enhancing cooperation in areas like trade, investment, sustainable development, and governance.
Now the nordic is committed to say no to have European funds diverted to support a regime that tramples on human rights.
Sweden’s former Minister for Foreign Trade, Johan Forssell, was relentless in his criticism, emphasizing that «it is time to face the truth» about the PDCA’s failure to steer Cuba towards democracy.
The truth is that for years, this agreement has been a farce, a smokescreen that has allowed the EU to become complicit, even if indirectly, in Cuba’s repression.
Funds supposedly allocated for development and reform have ended up in the hands of Cuban state organizations—the same ones used to silence dissenting voices and perpetuate Castro’s tyranny.
The massive protests in Cuba in 2021, met with brutal repression by the regime, were a stark reminder of the PDCA’s failure to promote human rights.
The Cuban Resistance Assembly (ARC), an organization based in Miami, has long been a prophetic voice, denouncing how these funds have only strengthened the regime’s repressive machinery.
The ARC has rightly called for a complete halt to any financing that benefits only the oppressors.
This Swedish initiative reflects growing discontent within the EU over the preferential treatment Cuba has received—especially when other countries are sanctioned for similar violations.
Figures such as Swedish MP Markus Wiechel and Spanish MEP Hermann Tertsch have led the charge, denouncing the hypocrisy of maintaining relations with a regime that is an insult to human dignity.
A true commitment to human rights and democracy means cutting financial ties with regimes that trample on them.
About The Author
Read the full article here