On Thursday 22 September, the European Commission adopted its proposal to the Council of the EU with a view to the conclusion of a Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) with Cuba. This should help provide a framework for relations between the two parties for the next few years and support Cuba's process of economic and social modernisation.
This development results from the negotiations concluded last March, which have seen the beginning of a gradual normalisation in relations since the lifting of sanctions and the resumption of bilateral dialogue in 2008. The new agreement is expected to replace the common position that has governed bilateral relations since 1996. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini also sent the Council the formal draft abrogation of this common position, this Thursday.
The new agreement includes three main chapters: - on political dialogue, particularly on foreign policy, human rights and sustainable development; - on cooperation and dialogue in sectoral policies (for example, energy and health); - and on trade, and economic and trade cooperation. This is expected to develop a new framework and mark a turning point in bilateral relations, the European Commission stated in a press release.
The signing of the new agreement is expected to take place in the next few months, following examination and approval of the two proposals by the Council. (Original version in French by Francesco Gariazzo)