Council adopts negotiating directives for bilateral Political Dialogue and Co-operation Agreement with Cuba

The Council of the European Union adopted on 10 February 2014 a set of negotiating directives for a bilateral Political Dialogue and Co-operation Agreement with Cuba.

A bilateral Agreement would strengthen the EU–Cuba relationship and provide a robust framework for constructive dialogue and improved co-operation. It will help to effectively promote EU interests and values in Cuba and ensure continuity in EU policies objectives including support for the on-going reform and modernisation process, the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as the strengthening of development cooperation.

Media sources reported on the 6 March 2014 that Cuba had officially agreed to talks with the European Union on restoring bilateral relations with the bloc.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Dutch Foreign Minister calls for new EU policy on Cuba http://www.europeansources.info/record/dutch-foreign-minister-calls-for-new-eu-policy-on-cuba/

EurActiv, 11.02.14: EU eyes warmer Cuba ties with push for new accord http://www.euractiv.com/development-policy/eu-eyes-warmer-cuba-ties-push-ne-news-533408

EUObserver, 11.02.14: EU to open trade talks with Cuba http://euobserver.com/news/123081

Deutsche Welle, 10.02.14: EU embarks on new trade course towards Cuba http://dw.de/p/1B6Kj

BBC News, 11.02.14: EU agrees to launch negotiations with Cuba http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-26123441

Deutsche Welle, 11.02.14: Cuba gives cautious welcome to European Union offer of improved ties http://dw.de/p/1B6Xg

Euronews, 11.02.14: EU to work towards new accord with Cuba http://www.euronews.com/2014/02/11/eu-to-work-towards-new-accord-with-cuba/

BBC News, 06.03.14: Cuba agrees to open EU talks on bilateral relations http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-26474424

Deutsche Welle, 06.03.14: Cuba agrees to start talks with EU on normalization of relations http://dw.de/p/1BLTn

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