Bilateral Relations and the EU Common Position
Recently, a key focus is deepening the bilateral dialogue on environmental issues in line with the FCO's International Priorities and the Cuban Energy Revolution.
The UK, along with EU partners, shares the goal of a peaceful transition to a pluralist democracy in Cuba. EU Member States adopted a Common Position on Cuba on 2 December 1996. This stated the EU's objective as being to encourage a process of transition to pluralist democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, via constructive engagement with the Cuban Government.
The crackdown on Cuban peaceful opposition in March 2003 which included 75 people being sentenced for up to 28 years following summary trials made engagement with the Cuban government more difficult, particularly during 2003-2005 when the Cuban Government "froze" contact with EU Embassies in response to a series of measures taken by the EU to express discontent with the arrests.
The EU Common Position on Cuba is reviewed annually. The June 2006 review noted a deterioriation in the human rights situation and affirmed the importance of continued dialogue with both the Cuban Government and independent sectors. The June 2007 review noted the temporary transfer in power from Fidel to Raul Castro but emphasised the fact that there had been no fundamental change in human rights policy in the past year. To read the June 2007 review, please visit the website of the European Union..
For more information about Cuba consult Country Profile:Cuba.
To know more about the relationship between the two countries please click on the menu at your left or on the following links:
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