(01 November 2017) – A new chapter in EU-Cuba relations is marked today, with the start of provisional application of the first ever agreement between the European Union and Cuba – the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA).
The PDCA promotes dialogue and cooperation with Cuba to encourage sustainable development, democracy and human rights, as well as to find shared solutions to global challenges through joint action in multilateral fora.
Areas of common interest include for example renewable energies, rural development, the environment, human rights, good governance, security, and job creation. Activities will be conducted with all actors in Cuba, including the public sector, local authorities, the whole range of civil society, the private sector, as well as international organisations and their agencies.
On 12 December 2016, EU and Cuba signed the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement, and the European Parliament approved it on 5 July 2017. While most of the agreement starts provisionally applying on 1 November 2017, its full application will begin once all EU Member States have ratified the agreement.