In a document entitled "Council Conclusions on Cuba," the ministers criticized the unchanged human rights situation and the detainment of political prisoners, but expressed a willingness to cooperate with the country.
"While equally maintaining its intensive dialogue with civil society and the peaceful opposition, the EU would be ready to resume a comprehensive and open political dialogue with the Cuban authorities on all topics of mutual interest," the ministers' statement said.
The statement said the dialogue should include a number of possible cooperation spheres, including politics and human rights, economics, science, and culture.
The ministers called the temporary transfer of power by Fidel Castro to the leadership led by his brother Raul Castro last summer "a new situation." They also urged the Cuban government to make political and economic reforms, and ensure freedom of information.
The EU imposed diplomatic sanctions on Cuba in 2003 after the country's authorities detained 75 people on accusations of cooperating with the U.S. and preparing a coup. The sanctions included a freezing of talks with Cuban government officials. They were lifted only in 2005.
