A new landmark agreement between the EU and Cuba will enter into force on 1 November 2017, with the start of a provisional application of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement, the first ever agreement between the European Union and Cuba.

"We are ready to support Cuba and all Cuban citizens in the process of economic, political and social modernisation. This new agreement will allow us to cooperate more closely in the joint interest of the Cuban and European people," said EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, adding "This agreement also completes the network of ties with Latin America and the Caribbean and confirms our continued engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean."

The Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) covers three main chapters on political dialogue, cooperation and sector policy dialogue as well as trade and trade cooperation.

The agreement promotes dialogue and cooperation to encourage sustainable development, democracy and human rights, and also to find shared solutions to global challenges through joint action in multilateral fora. Areas of common interest include renewable energies, rural development, the environment, human rights, good governance, security, and job creation.