Story perspectives

Cuba Approves 176 Economic Reforms Amid Trump Threats

6/21/2026

Center

Cuba Liberalizes Economy

Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, grandson of Raul Castro, said in an interview that Cuba poses no threat to the United States.
On June 18 2026, Cuba’s National Assembly unanimously approved 176 measures to liberalize the economy, including private banks and real-estate development.
President Donald Trump said administration will keep maximum pressure on Cuba and may use force.
Analysts warned reforms will be limited unless U.S. sanctions lift and bureaucratic delays end.

Left

Cuba Privatizes

EU lawmakers passed a resolution sanctioning President Miguel Díaz-Canel and the military-run Grupo de Administracion Empresarial, demanding profound change.
Cuba announced it will privatize state firms and allow private and foreign capital in banking and energy.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel said reforms follow Vietnamese-Chinese models and are not tied to U.S. negotiations.
Cuban-American businessmen warned foreign investment will not flow without rule of law and property protections.

History

Historical Context

Congress passed the Helms-Burton Act on March 12 1996, expanding the U.S. embargo and allowing secondary sanctions on foreign firms dealing with Cuba. The EU condemned the law and adopted Regulation 2271/96 to block its extraterritorial reach, while Mexico and Canada enacted counter-measures. In June 2026 Cuba’s Assembly approved 176 reforms, prompting Trump’s renewed pressure and EU lawmakers to sanction President Díaz-Canel and Grupo de Administración Empresarial.

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Cuba Liberalizes Economy

Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, grandson of Raul Castro, said in an interview that Cuba poses no threat to the United States.
On June 18 2026, Cuba’s National Assembly unanimously approved 176 measures to liberalize the economy, including private banks and real-estate development.
President Donald Trump said administration will keep maximum pressure on Cuba and may use force.
Analysts warned reforms will be limited unless U.S. sanctions lift and bureaucratic delays end.

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