Repression and rights

Jean-Noël Barrot and Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla discussed bilateral relations, Cuba's economic and social situation, human rights, progress on economic reforms, and US fuel supply restrictions. France reaffirmed its commitment to fundamental freedoms as a factor for lasting stability.

France is one of the EU's most influential countries in foreign policy. Its dialogue with Cuba amid maximum US pressure signals that Europe does not want to cede the field entirely to Washington. It also opens the door to potential humanitarian assistance or European mediation.

The Cuban foreign minister traveled to Moscow (meeting Putin and Lavrov), then Madrid (with Minister José Manuel Albares), and finally Paris. In Paris he also met with UNESCO Director-General Jaled al Anani.

Europe can offer humanitarian assistance, financing frameworks, and diplomatic pressure, but it cannot replace the oil Cuba needs. Its biggest lever is political: showing the US that total isolation of Cuba carries global diplomatic costs.

Ernesto Ricardo Medina and Kamil Zayas Pérez are two young Cuban content creators who gained popularity on social media for their critical video editorials about Cuban reality, filmed from a small room in Holguín.