The Brussels, Belgium-based European Commission (EC) which manages the interests for the twenty-seven (27) country members of the Brussels, Belgium-based European Union (EU) has during the United Nations General Assembly in New York reinforced again that its since 1996 publicly stated position of opposing Title III of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act of 1996 (known as “Libertad Act”) is in reality far less attentive and intensive.

Neither the EC nor the United States Department of State in Washington DC has confirmed that the Republic of Cuba was included in subjects discussed during meetings between the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Josef Borrell and United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Title III authorizes lawsuits in United States District Courts against companies and individuals who are using a certified claim or non-certified claim where the owner of the certified claim or non-certified claim has not received compensation from the Republic of Cuba or from a third-party who is using (“trafficking”) the asset.

Of forty-one (41) Title III lawsuits filed since 2019, there are ten (10) company defendants whose headquarters are in EU-member countries. For 525 days, defendant Palma, Spain-based Grupo Iberostar (2019 revenue approximately US$2.5 billion) has awaited a response for legal guidance from the EC. LINK To Libertad Act Lawsuit Statistics

After six meetings between Messrs. Borrell and Blinken since 20 January 2021, the Republic of Cuba has not been publicly confirmed among subjects discussed- despite Mr. Borrell’s statements (including to a member of the Brussels, Belgium-based/Strasbourg, France-based European Parliament (EP)) that issues relating to the Republic of Cuba would be discussed.

The absence of the Republic of Cuba as a subject also reinforces that the Biden-Harris Administration (2021- ) has no overt interest in issues relating to the Republic of Cuba- and will not be proactive in discussions with the EC.

For the Diaz-Canel-Valdes Mesa Administration (2019- ) in the city of Havana, Republic of Cuba, the lack of attention does not inspire and reinforces that the Republic of Cuba is a commodity for the EC and Biden-Harris Administration. The value remains low- so a low priority politically. The EC is not pushing. The Biden-Harris Administration is not being pushed. The Republic of Cuba is ignored.

European Commission
Brussels, Belgium
23/09/2021 - 00:24

United States: High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell met Secretary of State Antony Blinken

High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell met with United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, in the margins of the General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA) in New York on Wednesday. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss issues related to the transatlantic agenda and pressing international developments.

They welcomed the joint statement by President Biden and French President Macron, which followed the recent announcement of a security partnership by the US, United Kingdom and Australia and the cancellation of an Australian submarine contract with France. This statement contributes to clarify the situation. Building on it and on today’s meeting between the HR/VP and the Secretary of State, the EU and the US will work on practical steps to deepen dialogue and cooperation.

Both reaffirmed the strong alliance between the United States and the EU. They committed to deepen their engagement in addressing global challenges, including stability in the Indo-Pacific region. They underlined the relevance of EU defence efforts, which will also contribute to a stronger NATO. In this regard, the High Representative recalled the need to launch a comprehensive structured dialogue on security and defence.

High Representative/Vice-President Borrell and Secretary of State Blinken touched on other key issues of common concern, including Afghanistan and Iran, as well as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue. The High Representative/Vice-President referred to his cooperation with neighbours of Afghanistan and to the benchmarks that will determine the level of EU engagement with the Taliban. He underlined the EU’s continued commitment to the people of Afghanistan and expressed concern over the humanitarian and economic situation in the country.

As regards the JCPOA, the High Representative stressed the need for discussions to resume in Vienna. The JCPOA remains a key instrument for global non-proliferation, peace in the region and for international security, but time to return to its implementation is not indefinite, if we want to ensure it delivers fully.

The High Representative and the Secretary of State agreed to continue their discussions in the coming weeks. The EU and the US are unique partners in addressing global challenges. Their closer cooperation, based on shared values, will contribute to international peace and security.

United States Department of State
Washington DC
09/22/2021 03:46 PM EDT

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Borrell

Office of the Spokesperson
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell on the margins of the UN General Assembly. Secretary Blinken reiterated the U.S. commitment to strong U.S.-EU relations, and he and High Representative Borrell discussed issues of mutual concern, including Afghanistan, China, Iran, and the Balkans. The Secretary welcomed the recent release of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and reiterated the United States’ intention to work closely with the EU and other partners to support a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The Secretary and High Representative also discussed ways to deepen U.S.-EU cooperation on technology and trade.

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