The European Commission has adopted a proposal to the Council on the signing of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) with Cuba.
The Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement opens new avenues to support Cuba's process of economic and social modernisation, to foster sustainable development, democracy and human rights, as well as to seek common solutions to global challenges. At the same time, the High Representative Federica Mogherini i transmitted a proposal to the Council to formally repeal the EU's 1996 Common Position on Cuba.
The adoption of both decisions by the Council and the implementation of the PDCA will be a turning point in EU-Cuba relations.
High Representative/Vice President Federica Mogherini said: "The bilateral Agreement between the EU and Cuba is the result of a fruitful and constructive work the EU and Cuba have done together, and marks the turning point in our relations. This contractual arrangement creates a clear common framework for intensified political dialogue, increased cooperation across a wide range of policy areas, and a precious platform for developing joint action on regional and international issues."
Both proposals will now be reviewed by the Council, before their final adoption and the signature of the PDCA in coming months.
Background:
The EU and Cuba concluded their negotiations for a bilateral Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) on 11 March 2016. The agreement includes three main chapters on political dialogue, cooperation and sector policy dialogue as well as trade and trade cooperation. The PDCA will contribute to enhancing EU-Cuba relations, accompanying the process of "updating" the Cuban economy and society, promoting dialogue and cooperation to foster sustainable development, democracy and human rights, and finding common solutions to global challenges.
The agreement reflects the expansion and strengthening of EU-Cuba relations, building on the important progress made since the relaunch of political dialogue and cooperation in 2008. It offers a framework for promoting European values and interests and accompanying the ongoing process of change in Cuban.
Once signed, the Agreement will become the instrument that defines the EU's external relations with Cuba, superseding the 1996 Common Position. It offers a comprehensive framework which also complements and supports those developed by a number of EU Member States.
IP/16/3133