European Union and Cuba signed a political accord on 12th Dec
It is hoped that the EU hopes will position its companies for Cuba's transition to a more open economy.
It will also allow it to press for political freedoms on the island.
EU lifted sanctions on the communist-ruled island in 2008, the so-called political dialogue and cooperation agreement is the first accord between Cuba and the 28-nation bloc.
Normalisation of relations has been tortuous partly because of resistance from the EU's eastern members due to their own communist past.
Havana’s arrest of dissidents in 2003 led the bloc to impose diplomatic sanctions, limiting contacts.
