On the political repression and humanitarian situation in Cuba
B-10-2026-0285
on behalf of the PPE Group · Rapporteur: Ana Miguel Pedro, Sebastião Bugalho, Dolors Montserrat, Elena Nevado del Campo, Raúl de la Hoz Quintano, Antonio LópezIstúriz White, Francisco José Millán Mon
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Parliament condemns the Cuban regime's systematic repression and demands the immediate release of all political prisoners, including minors, and an end to torture and ill-treatment.¶¶ It calls for profound economic and political changes leading to a multiparty democracy, and for the EU to suspend the PDCA and impose sanctions if no significant steps are taken.¶¶ It also calls for targeted measures under the EU Magnitsky Act against those responsible for repression, condemns Cuba's military cooperation with Russia, and insists that independent civil society participate in any dialogue.¶¶¶ Parliament stands ready to provide assistance once a credible democratic transition begins.¶
Key points
- Condemns in the strongest terms the systematic repression by the Cuban regime, including torture, sexual violence, death threats, and imprisonment of children.¶
- Demands the immediate release of all imprisoned individuals, including minors, an end to torture, and unimpeded access for the Red Cross, UN rapporteurs, and a Parliament delegation to all detention places.¶
- Considers that only profound economic and political changes leading to a full multiparty democracy can resolve the crisis, with immediate release of all political prisoners without precondition.¶
- Calls on the High Representative and Member States to suspend the PDCA and establish sanctions if no clear steps toward democratic transition and release of nearly 1,300 political prisoners are taken in the short term.¶
- Calls for targeted measures under the EU Magnitsky Act against those responsible for repression, starting with senior officials and GAESA leadership, and freezing EU cooperation benefiting the repressive apparatus.¶
- Condemns the recruitment of Cuban nationals to fight in Russia's war against Ukraine and deepening military cooperation with Moscow, insisting this be central to the EU's review of relations.¶
- Insists that independent civil society and democratic opposition participate in any PDCA dialogue without reprisals, and that no EU funds benefit the regime or GAESA or sustain repression.¶
- Stands ready to provide substantial assistance to Cuba once it embarks on a credible democratic transition.¶
Who is affected
- The Cuban regime and its officials, including GAESA leadership, face potential EU sanctions and suspension of the PDCA.¶¶
- Cuban political prisoners and minors would be released, and detainees would receive access to international monitors.¶
- Cuban civil society and opposition groups would gain a role in dialogue and future transition.¶¶
- EU institutions and member states are called to act on suspension and sanctions.¶
Figures and deadlines
- 1,260 political prisoners at the end of April 2026, including 14 minors, 142 women, and 449 in serious ill health.¶
- Cumulative inflation over the past four years exceeds 500%.¶
- State salaries equivalent to between USD 15 and 25 a month at the black-market rate.
- In October 2024, the national electricity system collapsed for several days, leaving 11 million people without power.
- Cuba imports more than 70% of the food it consumes.¶
- Over 1,000 Cuban nationals recruited to fight in Russia's war against Ukraine.¶
- More than 700 people tried in summary proceedings after July 2021 protests, with sentences up to 25 years.¶