On 13 January 2026, the parliamentary group of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) scheduled an exhibition dedicated to the internationalist contribution of Cuban doctors, focusing on the Henry Reeve medical brigades and their role in supporting peoples affected by pandemics and natural disasters. The exhibition was rejected by the Parliament’s authorities.
In its official response, the Parliament’s services acknowledged a “perceived inconsistency” in the handling of the two cases, stating that the rejected exhibition was subject to a “different set of rules.”
At the same time, the Parliament justified the approval of the anti-Cuban event by invoking “freedom of expression” and the principle that democracy is based on a plurality of views. This argument was not applied to the KKE exhibition, which highlighted the humanitarian contribution of Cuban medical missions.
The case reflects a selective application of democratic principles: activities supporting hostility toward Cuba are considered compatible with pluralism, while initiatives focusing on solidarity and internationalist contribution are blocked.
The incident takes place amid ongoing pressure against Cuba, including continued sanctions and broader discussions in the United States about escalating measures. In this context, the stance of the European Parliament is clearly seen as aligning with wider anti-Cuban policies, within the context of the EU's anti-communist strategy.
