Cuba Opposition Seeks EU Backing at Libertas Forum in Madrid

The Libertas Forum, organized by the European People's Party (PPE) and held in Madrid on July 15‑16, gathered European and Ibero‑American political leaders to discuss democracy, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms. A Cuban delegation, including Amelia Calzadilla of the newly formed Partido Liberal Clásico Cubano, José Daniel Ferrer of UNPACU and human‑rights activist Rosa María Payá, used the event to strengthen contacts with euro‑parliamentarians and call for a review of the European Union’s policy toward Cuba. They urged the EU to reconsider its cooperation framework with Havana and to increase pressure on the regime, citing political prisoners and human‑rights violations.

Spanish Prime Minister Alberto Núñez Feijóo opened the forum, emphasizing that the desire for freedom persists in Cuba despite repression and urging solidarity with democratic forces in Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua. The discussion highlighted the role Europe could play in a potential democratic transition on the island, while also addressing authoritarian challenges across the region.