Cuba: Speech by High representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas at the EP plenary on the applicability of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement

Check against delivery! Opening Remarks Thank you,Honourable Members of the European Parliament, We all agree that Cuban citizens should be able to speak freely and without fear. We also agree that the rule of law is incompatible with arbitrary detentions. And we all believe that the Cuban people—like people everywhere—should be able to choose their government through free and democratic elections. This said, the question today is how we engage with Cuba? We must do this based on our values and our interests. Since 2016, we have had a Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) with Cuba, agreed by this Parliament and European Union Member States. I understand that many here feel the Agreement has not delivered as much as we would hope. However, in the midst of Cuba’s severe economic crisis and broader global instability, the objectives of this Agreement remain relevant to promote reform; encourage respect for human rights; and accompany Cuba’s economic and social modernisation—while promoting European values and protecting European interests. The Agreement gives us a structured framework. This framework provides space for us to talk about issues where we agree, but especially on those where we differ. These include sensitive topics like human rights, arrests and disproportionate sentences or Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The Agreement is not a way to ignore our differences— it is a way to address our differences. President, Honourable Members,This...