European Parliament Commission Ratifies Agreement Cuba-EU

The Commission of Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament approved today the Agreement on Political Dialogue and Cooperation for the normalization of relations between the European Union (EU) and Cuba, signed at the end of 2016.

In a resolution published this Tuesday, the EU legislative organ expressed its confidence that the pact, putting an end to the so-called Common Position, will contribute to improve living conditions of Cubans.

In the document issued a few days after President Donald Trump hardened U.S. policy against Cuba, European legislators assure the agreement will have a positive impact on the Cuban people.

The communiqué released by the Eurochamber, indicates that the legislators consider that the new framework of relations with Cuba, approved by that body with 57 votes in favor and nine against, should contribute to boost bilateral trade, the political dialogue and economic cooperation between the European Community and Cuba.

Previously, the bill was given the green light by commissions of International Development and Trade. It goes now to the plenary of the European Parliament for final vote. The session is scheduled for next July.

The agreement signed on December 12, 2016, by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and the High EU representative for Foreign Policy, Federica Mogherini, put an end to the negative Brussels Common Position imposed in 1996.