On Monday, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez criticized the European Union (EU) for failing to recognize that U.S. sanctions are the primary cause of the crisis on Cuba.

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In a message posted on the social network X, Rodríguez pointed out Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, should be inspired by the defense of International Law and peace promoted by the European bloc, and adopt a position consistent with those principles in her references to Cuba.

The Foreign Minister criticized the lack of concern and support for the numerous European companies and citizens being threatened and harmed by the latest U.S. measures, which are clearly extraterritorial and illegal.

Rodriguez emphasized that the sovereign and profound transformations that have taken place in Cuba in recent decades, with broad popular consensus, are part of our internal affairs.

Nevertheless, the Cuban Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for the humanitarian aid offered by the EU and several of its member states, as well as their contribution to the development of existing bilateral cooperation, underpinned by the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement.

The text reads, “Now more than ever: against U.S. imperialism, on the side of the Cuban people. Italy and Europe, if they had even a shred of backbone—which unfortunately is lacking today—should stand up to those who, with this level of arrogance, trample on freedom and the right to self-determination. From being so subservient to the United States as well as to Israel, we are losing all credibility and will make ourselves hated around the world.”

“We agree that it offers multiple avenues for comprehensive dialogue, allowing us to exchange views on our differences and maintain a relationship always based on respect, equality, and reciprocity,” Rodríguez stated, adding that Cuba will continue to pursue a relationship with the EU based on these principles.

The hardening of U.S. policy toward Cuba has materialized through executive orders that broaden the scope of the blockade, including secondary sanctions with extraterritorial reach.

These provisions allow for the penalization of entities in third countries that maintain commercial or financial ties with the island, which contravenes principles of international law by attempting to impose national jurisdiction beyond the borders of the United States.

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