European and Caribbean shifts on UN Cuba embargo resolution

Several nations have deviated from long-standing diplomatic positions regarding the United States' embargo on Cuba during a United Nations General Assembly vote.

North Macedonia voted against the resolution, joining a minority of 17 nations. This decision drew criticism from the Levica political party, which questioned how the vote aligns with the government’s commitment to European values and called for a formal explanation from Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski.

Greece and Jamaica both broke long-standing traditions by abstaining from the resolution. In Jamaica, Senator Donna Scott-Mottley expressed concern over the departure from a decades-old consensus, questioning why the government changed its stance without public explanation. This follows a government motion in the House of Representatives describing economic conditions in Cuba as “deeply troubling.”

In Greece, the abstention marks the first time the country has not supported the measure since 1992. While Cyprus and Turkey voted in favor of ending the blockade, Greece joined other nations, including Germany and Italy, in abstaining. This shift follows an intensive diplomatic campaign by the United States to reduce international support for the resolution. The UN reported that the resolution passed with 130 votes in favor, 17 against, and 25 abstentions, marking the lowest level of support for the measure in twenty years.