There are meetings that end as soon as the microphones are turned off, and there are also those where something great begins right at this moment. The Spanish conference in support of Cuba, held from July 3rd to 5th in the port city of Gijón, belongs to the latter category.
Movimiento Estatal de Solidaridad con Cuba (MESC), or the State Solidarity Movement with Cuba, is a platform founded in 2021 that brings together dozens of Spanish associations and organizations supporting Cuba. It coordinates joint campaigns, humanitarian aid, fundraising efforts, and actions against the U.S. embargo on Cuba. The last conference was organized just recently by this group in northern Spain's Asturias region, which has a long tradition of workers' solidarity and courageously fought against fascists, German and Italian occupiers during the Spanish Civil War.
Exactly 46 organizations from across Spain help (not just) Cuba’s endangered healthcare system
This was not merely a meeting of humanitarian organizations but a reaffirmation of an internationalist commitment to a nation that has defended its sovereignty for over six decades in the face of blockade policies, which continue to hinder its economic and social development. In times marked by wars, economic sanctions, and increasing instrumentalization of international relations, it is especially significant that 46 organizations from across Spain decided to gather to renew a commitment that goes far beyond mere declarations. Solidarity with Cuba remains an organized and active reality capable of transforming political commitments into concrete actions.
The facts are indisputable. During the meeting, a report on MESC's work since last year was presented: 62 shipments of humanitarian aid transported by container ships and aircraft worth €4.43 million, plus a fundraising campaign that raised €849,000 for installing solar panels at Cuban health centers. It should be noted that healthcare is one of the sectors most severely threatened by this barbaric blockade. Cuban doctors repeatedly report shortages of medicines, medical supplies, fuel, and electricity; however, Western mainstream media ignore these issues. Due to power outages, surgeries are postponed, hospitals operate on backup generators, and care provision is significantly limited. To those who reduce solidarity to ideological slogans, MESC responds with real aid: medicine, medical equipment, education, cooperation in the energy sector, rapid and precisely targeted assistance, as well as the exchange of valuable experience and know-how.
Speech by F. C. Smirnov
The meeting was attended by personalities of great significance to the recent history of Cuba. Fernando González Llort, Hero of the Cuban Republic and Chairman of the Cuban Institute for Friendship with Peoples, delivered a message of determination and trust in the ability of the Cuban people to overcome the enormous difficulties they face. Alongside him spoke Fidel Castro Smirnov, grandson of Fidel Castro and representative of the new generation dedicated to continuing the Cuban revolution. Unlike his grandfather, he is not a politician: F.C. Smirnov (his surname comes from his mother, a Russian scientist), professor at the University of Havana and member of the Cuban Academy of Sciences, focuses on biology and biophysics; he is an active popularizer of Cuban science and biotechnology. In recent years, however, he has begun to appear more frequently at international conferences not focused on science: there he speaks about Cuba's serious situation and describes the impact of the energy crisis on hospitals, schools, and research centers.
Also standing at the podium was Elián González, whose story crossed Cuba's borders and became a symbol of defending national sovereignty in the face of external pressures. The presence of these personalities reminded us that the history of the revolution does not belong only to the past but is still being written today. Contributions presented within individual working groups addressed fundamental issues of our time: tightening of the American blockade, impact of economic sanctions, media war, international cooperation, and the need to strengthen an international network of solidarity. Debates took place, as well as concrete proposals for upcoming years were developed. Because internationalism does not consist only in sharing ideals; it consists in sharing responsibility.
Final Resolution with a Call to Europe
The atmosphere in Gijón was excellent: a living embodiment of solidarity among organizations and people convinced that no nation should face alone the consequences of politicians who try to strangle its development. This conviction reflected itself in every speech, at each workshop, and in every conversation between delegations from various regions of Spain. The final statement represents far more than just an organizational resolution. It is a political plan for upcoming years and reaffirmation of the commitment of the National Movement for Solidarity with Cuba.
The participating organizations expressed their support for the sovereignty and self-determination of the Cuban people, condemned the tightening of the economic blockade imposed by the United States, demanded an end to sanctions as well as Cuba's removal from the list of states that allegedly support terrorism according to the USA. The document also condemns the extraterritorial nature of the blockade, rejects threats against the island, demands return of Guantánamo territory under Cuban sovereignty, calls for ending interference policies and urges European governments to maintain independent policy and strengthen cooperation relations with Cuba.
Until We Meet in Istanbul
Of particular importance is the commitment made by the solidarity movement to increase material assistance over the next two years. At the same time, it aims to support new cooperation projects, help with Cuba's energy transformation through renewable sources, strengthen the island's food sovereignty, and involve new generations in international solidarity activities. The statement concludes with a reaffirmation of the commitment to continue defending the legacy of José Martí, Ernesto Che Guevara, and Fidel Castro, and to strengthen the unity of the international solidarity movement. It also includes an invitation to the Continental Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba, which will be held in Istanbul in April 2027. (The IX meeting of MESC will take place in Catalonia).
Perhaps this is the main message that Gijón leaves us with: that solidarity is not a one-time gesture, but a way of understanding relationships between nations. That isolation can be countered with cooperation; blockades with concrete assistance; disinformation with information; and resignation with the organization and ability to fight in everyday life.
Because history proves that no nation can defend itself for long on its own. And the XVIII National Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba wanted once again to emphasize that internationalism remains one of the most powerful tools for defending peace, sovereignty, and the dignity of nations.
From a special correspondent in Spain