(BRUSSELS) - The EU Commission Tuesday stressed its willingness to engage in "a constructive political dialogue" with Cuba to promote a peaceful transition to democracy, following Fidel Castro's decision to step down.

John Clancy, spokesman for EU Development Commissioner Louis Michel, told reporters in Brussels the commissioner would go ahead with a scheduled visit to Havana on March 6-7, though it has not been decided whether he will meet Castro.

"The objective of the EU in relation with Cuba is to encourage a peaceful process of transition to a pluralistic democracy and to respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms," Clancy said.

The EU's common position, which remains unchanged by Castro's announcement, also seeks "a sustainable recovery and improvement in the living standards of the Cuban people," he added.

"We reiterate our willingness to engage with Cuba in a constructive political dialogue," he said.

This dialogue should be "with all stakeholders, including the authorities and civil society," he stressed.

Revolutionary icon Castro gave up the Cuban presidency on Tuesday, ending five decades of ironclad rule of the island marked by his brash defiance of the United States.

The EU's Slovenian presidency also said it "takes note" of the ailing Castro's announcement, adding that "nothing in Fidel Castro's declaration indicates a recent deterioration of his health".

The EU "remains ready to contribute positively to the future developments of all sectors of Cuban society through... cooperation," the EU presidency added.

The EU's reaction was more muted than some from elsewhere, not least the United States, reflecting divisions within European ranks on how to handle Castro's Cuba.

Some of the 27 EU member states, led by Spain which normalised its relations with Havana last year, are in favour of definitively dropping the sanctions which were introduced in 2003 but suspended two years later.

But objections continue to be voiced, notably from Britain and the Czech Republic, which believe normalisation should not take place without democratic reforms in Cuba.

The European Union imposed political and diplomatic sanctions on Cuba after Castro's regime sentenced 75 dissidents to lengthy prison terms and executed three young Cubans who had tried to flee to the United States by boat.

The sanctions -- which notably included restrictions on bilateral government visits -- were suspended in January 2005 at Spain's initiative, following the release of several dissidents.

The definitive lifting of EU sanctions would require a unanimous decision, impossible at present. Currently the suspension of sanctions is renewed on a six-monthly basis.

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