End the Blockade: In Defence of Cuba’s Sovereignty

In defence of Cuba and against the intensification of the blockade imposed by the United States

The European Left Party firmly condemns the new executive order signed by Donald Trump on 1 May against Cuba, which expands US sanctions against the island and deepens the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States for more than six decades.

This new aggression is not an isolated act. It is part of a long imperialist policy of economic suffocation, political pressure and interference against a sovereign country. The blockade, reinforced in recent months also through measures aimed at preventing Cuba’s access to energy supplies, directly affects the daily lives of the Cuban people, impacting production, transport, public services and the normal functioning of the economy. These measures constitute collective punishment against millions of people and a violation of the fundamental principles of international law, state sovereignty and the right of peoples to freely decide their own path. No country should be punished for exercising its sovereignty.

The EL also condemns the silence of the European Union and of the majority of European governments in the face of the extraterritoriality of US sanctions. Europe cannot remain subordinated to Washington’s logic nor look the other way while Cuba is punished for defending its independence. We therefore call on the European institutions and all European governments to adopt concrete political, diplomatic and legal measures against the blockade, to actively reject the extraterritorial application of US sanctions, and to protect legitimate relations of cooperation, trade and solidarity with Cuba.

For all these reasons, the Party of the European Left demands the immediate, total and unconditional lifting of the blockade against Cuba; the repeal of the orders of 29 January and 1 May and of all unilateral coercive measures imposed by the United States; an end to extraterritorial sanctions; and guarantees that Cuba can access oil, medicines, food, technology, financing and essential supplies without threats or reprisals.

The EL reaffirms its unwavering support for the Cuban people, their sovereignty and their right to live without blockade, threats or interference. In the face of imperialist aggression, internationalist solidarity with Cuba remains a political, democratic and human obligation.