Vienna, May 12. – The Austria-Cuba Friendship Association (ÖKG) has issued a new statement of solidarity with the Cuban people, condemning the U.S. president’s executive order of May 1, 2026.
In the statement, the ÖKG warns that the U.S. blockade has already caused humanitarian crises on the island, with serious repercussions for health, education, water and energy supplies, and food, according to the United Nations’ assessment. The Association describes the new executive order as an unprecedented escalation: asset confiscation, global financial persecution against any bank or company doing business with Cuba, and the elimination of judicial safeguards.
The ÖKG demands that the United States immediately cease its aggression, respect international law, and remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. It calls on the European Union to explicitly condemn the blockade and establish cooperation agreements to compensate for the damage caused; and it urges the Austrian government to act in line with its vote in favor of lifting the blockade at the United Nations.
The Austria-Cuba Friendship Association has established itself as the leading force in solidarity with the island in the Central European country. Throughout 2026, it has significantly increased its public statements, channeled substantial material and financial donations to Cuba, and coordinated actions with various Austrian political forces as well as regional solidarity movements and initiatives.
(EmbaCubaAustria)