Brussels, 14/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European police mission to Afghanistan (EUPOL) has been extended until the end of 2014, after an agreement in principle was obtained in Brussels by the Council of the EU on Monday 14 November. The EUPOL mandate was previously valid until 31 May 2013. Reforms in the security sector in Afghanistan are vital to ensure the smooth unfolding of the transition process, which will gradually see the Afghan authorities take full responsibility for the security of the country by the end of 2014. By adopting this extension, the Council wishes to support the progressive withdrawal of foreign troops by helping to train Afghan police forces and a section of the legal system, to provide them with a certain degree of autonomy in their actions. But the EU's mission will not stop there. In its conclusions, the Council plans a commitment “beyond 2014 to support Afghan efforts in strengthening policing and the rule of law”. (JK/transl.fl)