WRITTEN QUESTION E-2162/98

by Olivier Dupuis (ARE) to the Commission

(13 July 1998)

Subject: Relations with Cuba

In its resolution on the communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on the relations between the European Union and Cuba (COM(95) 0306 - C4-0298/95), adopted on 18 January 1996, (A4-0312/95)(1), the European Parliament called on the Commission to provide Cuba with technical assistance in introducing new institutional and structural measures which are essential to ensure the success of the economic reforms now under way. The European Parliament also upheld the right of Cuban workers to exercise their right to strike, to set up independent trade unions and to enter into direct contractual relations with employers instead of having to use official intermediaries and considered that the EU must support the democratization process in Cuba at all levels.

According to the latest reports, no freedom of association in the trade unions exists in Cuba to represent and protect the interests and rights of workers, there is no substantial improvement in the living conditions of Cuban citizens and no essential progress in the democratization process.

What kind and what extent of technical assistance did the Commission provide to Cuba in introducing new institutional and structural measures essential to the success of the economic reforms? Does the Commission monitor the conditions of Cuban workers and citizens? What actions has the Commission undertaken to foster the improvement of the situation of Cuban workers and citizens?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(21 September 1998)

The Commission is acutely aware of the various resolutions passed by Parliament concerning EU relations with Cuba, particularly the 1996 recommendations referred to by the Honourable Member, which provided for EU support for the reform process in Cuba.

The common position adopted by the EU on 2 December 1996(2) and reviewed in June this year sets the same objective, i.e. of promoting a peaceful process of transition to a multi-party democracy, greater respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, sustainable economic recovery and an improvement in the living standards of the Cuban people. The Commission has strictly adhered to those guidelines in its cooperation with Cuba.

The Commission has made a considerable effort to improve living standards for the Cuban people. Humanitarian and food aid supplied by the Commission helps to provide for the basic needs of the poorest in Cuba. The Commission is the main aid donor in Cuba, mainly through the various "overall plans" of humanitarian aid for the Cuban population.

Furthermore, in line with Council recommendations, the Commission wishes to support the process of opening up the Cuban economy. It has started up a number of relevant projects since 1994 and programmed the following projects to support economic reform in 1998: a project to support the development of links between European and Cuban small and medium-sized enterprises; a training programme for Cuban company managers; a project to support the setting-up of the tax administration, and a project to assist with reform of the banking system.

In addition, at the Council's request, the Commission sent two technical missions to Cuba to assess the progress of economic and legal reform with a view to considering cooperation in those areas. Their recommendations are currently under examination. The legal mission took the opportunity to raise the issue of labour rights with the Cuban authorities, who expressed interest in cooperation with regard to their reform of labour laws. The Commission is of the opinion that such cooperation is bound to improve the situation of Cuban workers.

The EU is still concerned about the attacks on freedom of expression and association. It has set up a working party on human rights in Havana. When the common position was last reviewed, the Council noted that the working party had worked hard in 1998 to further the dialogue on human rights in Cuba.

(1) OJ C 32, 5.2.1996, p. 85.

(2) OJ L 322, 12.12.1996.