In Strasbourg, during a plenary session of the European Parliament, a debate took place on an urgent assessment of the possibility of applying the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) with Cuba. PiS MEPs Arkadiusz Mularczyk and Mariusz Kamiński spoke during the debate.
Arkadiusz Mularczyk stated that we are witnessing systematic human rights violations in Cuba. “Independent journalists, civil society activists, and ordinary citizens are being persecuted, imprisoned, and intimidated,” the MEP said, noting that, unfortunately, this is only part of a broader problem, as there are increasing reports of Cuban mercenaries supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine—a clear violation of the principles upon which the European Union is founded. Furthermore, he said, the so-called medical brigades sent abroad by the Cuban regime operate under conditions resembling forced labor, with limited freedoms, and most of their income is seized by the state rather than going to the doctors themselves.
“In light of these facts, an urgent review of the EU-Cuba Agreement on Political Dialogue and Cooperation is necessary, with a clear prospect of terminating it,” the Polish politician urged.
Mariusz Kamiński spoke about the dramatic news that has spread around the world and the latest wave of repression carried out by the communist regime in Cuba against leaders of the democratic opposition. “Once again, José Daniel Ferrer has been imprisoned; we had the honor of speaking with him online a few weeks ago during a meeting of the Subcommittee on Human Rights,” said the MEP, recalling that José Daniel Ferrer had described the situation in Cuba at that time, speaking about the regime’s violations of fundamental human and civil rights. According to the PiS politician, it is highly likely that these words and this contact led to his re-arrest.
“That is why we demand that you take concrete action in his defense and in defense of other political prisoners in Cuba,” Kamiński said, addressing the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. He explained that by “concrete action,” he means the immediate suspension of the agreement on political dialogue and cooperation concluded between the European Union and the regime in Havana. “The continued existence of this agreement and the transfer of funds to Cuba under it are not only politically harmful but simply immoral. Madam High Representative, please do not repeat the mistakes of your predecessors in this matter,” the Polish politician urged.
