At the United Nations, as happens every year, a General Assembly Resolution calling for the lifting of the US economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba was adopted today. Italy, whilst reaffirming its solidarity with the Cuban people and the need to continue providing humanitarian aid, chose to abstain alongside other allied countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Estonia, Latvia and Croatia.
In summary, Italy believes that progress must be accelerated in discussions with the Cuban authorities: the economic embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba has negative economic and humanitarian consequences for the Cuban people. Lifting the embargo could make economic reforms more effective and encourage further opening up of the Cuban economy, to the benefit of the Cuban people; yet the reforms are not materialising, and the decisions taken by the Cuban authorities are the cause of the current crisis. The lack of political and economic freedom, structural weaknesses and long-standing inefficiencies in the economic system have contributed significantly to the current crisis.
Substantial political, economic, social and judicial reforms are urgently needed on the part of the Cuban authorities to alleviate the suffering of the Cuban people. The 176 economic and social measures adopted last June must be implemented swiftly.
Italy also remains deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Cuba, particularly following the events of July 2021, and reiterates its call on the Cuban Government to release all political prisoners. We also deplore the fact that Cuba’s position on Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine continues to be incompatible with the principles of the United Nations Charter. Cuba voted against the United Nations General Assembly Resolution of 24 February 2026, which called for a ceasefire and a lasting peace in Ukraine.
At the same time, Italy and the European Union have not ceased providing assistance to the Cuban people. In 2026, the EU increased its humanitarian aid to Cuba to EUR 16 million, prioritising healthcare, emergency food aid and access to water and energy. There are currently 12 Italian Development Cooperation initiatives under way, with a total value of around EUR 30 million, in addition to approximately EUR 32 million for EU delegated cooperation. Further measures are planned for 2026: EUR 250,000 to the WFP for nutritional support for vulnerable groups, and EUR 3.5 million for the rural development and food security project carried out in partnership with the Lavazza Foundation. In addition to this aid, further emergency aid is being provided.
