German government responds to written questions on EU Blocking Regulation and US-Cuba blockade

6 February 2026

The German Government has responded to questions raised by German MPs from Die Linke Party. In response to questions on the extraterritorial effect in Germany of the US blockade against Cuba, the Government said:

• Germany considers that the extraterritorial application of the US blockade on Cuba in Germany is “contrary to German interests and the interests of the European Union” and that it “violates international law”.

• The EU Blocking Regulation (Regulation (EC) 2271/96) is directly applicable European law and is enforced in Germany through Germany’s Foreign Trade and Payments Act and Ordinance. Breaches of the Blocking Regulation is an administrative offence in Germany.

• The Government refers companies that may be affected by the US blockade to EU guidance on the Blocking Regulation – see also our EU Blocking Regulation page. Companies in Germany can contact their local Chambers of Industry and Commerce with questions regarding the application of the Blocking Regulation.

See our Germany pages for more coverage on the Foreign Trade and Payment Act and the implementation of EU sanctions laws in Germany.