Brussels Throws Shade at Havana’s Decades-Long Party Gone Wrong
The European Parliament just served Cuba a diplomatic reality check that would make even the most stoic bureaucrat wince. In a Thursday vote that split 283 to 199 (with 85 MEPs apparently checking their phones), lawmakers declared that five decades of communist rule have brought the island nation dangerously close to “failed state” territory—and no, you can’t blame the embargo this time.
The numbers paint a grim picture: 89% of Cuban families are living in extreme poverty, and the regime is currently hosting a record-breaking 1,281 political prisoners, including minors. That’s not a guest list anyone wants to be on.
Parliament didn’t mince words, calling out the “brutal and relentless repression” as basically the only thing keeping the lights on for Cuba’s leadership. Their demand? Release everyone, stop the torture, and maybe—just maybe—consider that thing called democracy where people don’t get imprisoned for having opinions.
The EU is now eyeing its sanctions toolbox, with President Miguel Díaz-Canel and the military bigwigs running GAESA (which controls nearly half the economy, because nothing says “people’s revolution” like a military monopoly) squarely in the crosshairs. If Cuba doesn’t show signs of democratic evolution soon, the EU’s cooperation agreement might get the axe too.
MEPs are pushing for “profound economic and political change”—diplomat-speak for “this clearly isn’t working.” They’re advocating for actual multi-party democracy and urging the regime to embrace private enterprise before the whole system collapses like a poorly maintained Soviet-era apartment building.
Meanwhile, Parliament wants humanitarian aid flowing directly to Cuban citizens and criticized Havana’s cozy relationship with Russia, including allegedly recruiting Cubans to fight in Ukraine. Because apparently, when your domestic policy isn’t controversial enough, why not add international military adventures to the mix?