European Friends Stand Firm Beside a Threatened Cuba

The presence in Havana of the 53rd José Martí European Brigade of friends of Cuba, during such difficult times due to the aggressive policy and economic pressure from the United States, holds high the flags of global solidarity and speaks volumes about the character of the 112 members from 14 countries, stated Noemí Rabaza Fernández, First Vice President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), on Monday when welcoming the delegation at the institution's headquarters.

"It is during such complex and challenging times that true friends are tested, at a moment when tribute is being paid to Commander in Chief Fidel Castro and his revolutionary legacy of justice and international solidarity," she highlighted.

The arrival in Cuba of the European group, alongside solidarity delegations such as the Juan Rius Rivera Brigade from Puerto Rico, the Latin American and Caribbean Brigade, and the Venceremos Brigade from the United States, demonstrates that "there is no obstacle to coming together and defending Cuba and its people from imperial ambitions, while maintaining the struggle for justice, peace, and a better world," Rabaza Fernández emphasized.

She noted that these delegations, together with various socio-political initiatives—totaling more than 900 participants—will attend the upcoming International Colloquium for the Centenary of the Commander in Chief, "demonstrating courage and unwavering commitment to the Cuban Revolution and its people despite military threats and U.S. economic and energy harassment."

"This gesture takes on greater significance at a time when U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has attempted, through a report as absurd as it is dangerous, to criminalize solidarity with Cuba and thereby justify the persecution and stigmatization of those who support us," she denounced.

Rabaza Fernández underlined that "it is imperative to intensify the mobilization of all international solidarity with Cuba and to maintain a relentless condemnation of President Trump's repeated threats of aggression against our country."

Representing the European brigade, Ana Ruiz Alonso condemned imperial aggression, reiterated the commitment to fight against the hardships and injustices imposed by the U.S. government on the Cuban people, and highlighted that the brigade members consider this stay on the island particularly significant due to Fidel's Centenary and their participation in the international colloquium in his honor.

The brigade members will remain in Cuba until August 16. Their itinerary includes voluntary labor sessions, medical equipment donations to hospitals, exchanges with workers and scientists, provincial tours, and educational lectures—the first two of which took place following the reception ceremony, focusing on U.S.-Cuba relations and current economic developments.