European Convoy of Dignity Arrives in Havana with Embrace and Resistance
More than 100 activists, trade-unionists and four members of the European Parliament landed at José Martí International Airport in Havana. They carried five tonnes of medicines and medical supplies worth about €500,000.
Night arrival and reception
The delegation flew on a Neos Boeing 787. The aircraft door opened at 9:55 p.m., and delegates disembarked amid emotion.
Rigoberto Zarza, Europe director at the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, received the group. Cameras recorded embraces and thanks.
Who travelled and why
Delegates came from Italy, Morocco, France, Switzerland, Greece and Spain. They belong to a broad international network of solidarity.
The aid responds to the effects of an executive order from late January that restricts fuel and complicates supply routes. Organizers said the package aims to support a strained health system.
Political and activist voices
MEPs Ilaria Salis, Doménico Lucano, Emma Fourreau and Marc Botenga were part of the plane party. They described the trip as a political and humanitarian act.
Salis, an Italian representative of the Greens and the Left, framed the mission as European solidarity in practice. Speakers stressed that the gesture seeks to highlight civic ties beyond bureaucratic relations.
Role of the Cuban diaspora
Ada Galano, president of CONACI in Italy, traveled with the delegation. Galano has organized previous shipments, including a 200 cubic metre aid flight during the 2021 COVID crisis.
She outlined an agenda of hospital visits, meetings with scientific institutions such as the CIGB, neighborhood outreach and school stops. Galano said Milan-based volunteers are preparing more containers to follow.
Solidarity networks and logistics
Organizers collected contributions from more than 700 individuals. Trade unions including CGIL and USB provided backing for the mission.
The group intends long-term cooperation, not only one-off deliveries. Workshops, public events and exchanges with local organizations are planned.
Maritime link and next steps
A maritime convoy is scheduled to arrive around the 21st or 22nd to join the air delegation. Organizers expect a mass public event when the two contingents unite in Havana.
The initiative forms part of the wider Convoy Nuestra América project. The campaign is supported by Progressive International and other solidarity organizations.
Chilean contingent
A separate Chilean group joined the effort as part of the same international campaign. The contingent includes parliamentarians, party members, ELAM graduates, youth and union activists.
Kathy Corvalán, from the Siboney collective, said the Chilean team has more than 20 participants. They brought roughly 30 suitcases containing over 600 kilos of medicines, clinical supplies, milk and school materials.
Shipments from the Chilean group will be delivered to Havana’s Diez de Octubre hospital and to a local school. Organizers emphasized the symbolic and practical value of those donations.
Embrace and resistance on the ground
At the terminal, voices, tears and embraces marked the arrival. Delegates described the moment as a human response to geopolitical pressure.
Filmogaz.com will follow the convoy’s activities as the air and sea contingents converge. The arriving delegation said solidarity will continue beyond this delivery.
