EU Presidency Statement - US embargo against Cuba

Mr. President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe associated with the European Union - Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the associated countries - Cyprus and Malta, as well as the EFTA countries of the European Economic Area - Iceland and Norway, align themselves with this statement.

Mr. President,

I have the honour to take the floor on behalf of the European Union with reference to the draft resolution entitled "Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the USA against Cuba".

The European Union believes that US trade policy towards Cuba is primarily a bilateral issue. However, the EU would like to reiterate its opposition to the extraterritorial aspects of the US embargo that has been implemented in accordance with the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 and the Helms-Burton Act of 1996.

The EU cannot accept that its economic and commercial relations with third countries should be restricted through unilateral measures imposed by the United States to specific countries - in this case Cuba. In November 1996, the Council of Ministers of the European Union therefore adopted a Regulation and a Joint Action aimed at protecting the interests of natural or legal persons from the EU against the extra-territorial effects of the Helms-Burton Act.

It was encouraging that the EU and the United States during their Summit in London in 1998 agreed on a package of measures involving inter alia US agreement to suspend titles III and IV of the Helms-Burton Act, and not to adopt any further extra-territorial legislation of this kind, as well as agreement on both sides to increase investment protection. The EU trusts that the US Government will continue to act in accordance with the commitments made.

Mr. President,

The European Unions policy towards Cuba is clear. The Union adopted its common position on Cuba in December 1996. A position that still is in effect. The main objective of the European Union in its relations with Cuba is to encourage a process of gradual and peaceful transition to pluralistic democracy and respect for fundamental and human rights, as well as improvement in the living standards of the Cuban people. We wish this process to move forward as fast as possible. Unfortunately, the EU continues to be concerned about the political and economic situation in Cuba.

On the political side the EU hopes to see lasting, substantial improvements in the situation, particularly as regards full respect for human rights. The European Union emphasises the responsibility of the Cuban authorities regarding human rights, such as civil and political right, and in this connection urges them to liberate and fully integrate into society all prisoners of conscience. We appeal to the Cuban Authorities to cooperate fully with international human rights bodies and mechanisms.

On the economic side the EU acknowledges measures taken by the Cuban Government to improve the country's economic integration into the region. The Union considers that gradual and irreversible opening-up of the Cuban economy to the outside world continues to be necessary. In this area the EU welcomes further co-operation in order to modernise the Cuban economy and enable it to become more competitive towards the international market. Economic growth is essential in order to address poverty alleviation in the country. In this respect the negative consequences of the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America on the Cuban population is working contrary to our hopes for a democratic and prosperous Cuba.

Mr. President,

For all these reasons, the European Union will unanimously vote in favour of the draft resolution before us today.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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• EU Presidency Statement - Embargo imposed by US against Cuba (4/11/2003)