The Estonian e-State Academy plans to spend 441,000 euros on Cuba's digitalization. The project is funded by the European Union. Marko Mihkelson, chairman of the parliament's foreign affairs committee, says this decision should be discussed in the EU.
Mihkelson stated that the Cuban regime supports Russia in the war in Ukraine. He adds that decisions made in 2016 no longer correspond to today's situation. Mihkelson believes the EU should review all aid programs for Cuba.
Mihkelson said the digitalization project does not help the Cuban people but the regime. He emphasized that the EU should not just observe but take action. He recommends that the EU stop funding the Cuban regime.
Spain is a major supporter of Cuba. Mihkelson noted that EU member states have differing opinions. He suggests Estonia should express its stance together with like-minded countries.
Mihkelson added that the US policy toward Cuba is changing. This also forces the EU to make quick decisions. He said EU processes are slow, but the issue is important.
The Estonian IT Association does not cooperate with countries under sanctions. The association's CEO, Doris Põld, said they select partners based on sanctions. Members can decide for themselves.
The Estonian Entrepreneurship and Innovation Foundation (EISA) organizes business missions to Saudi Arabia. The foundation follows the country's foreign policy. It does not have its own foreign policy.
Mihkelson said countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia should be assessed based on their impact on Estonia's security. He stressed that Estonian businesses must decide for themselves with whom to do business.