The EU Ambassador to Afghanistan, Andreas von Brandt, called on Afghanistan on Wednesday 28 July to redouble its efforts in several areas of reform.
In a speech to the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board on Afghanistan, Mr von Brandt stressed the importance of fighting corruption. “If there is one way to lose citizens’ confidence, it is to allow corruption become rampant”, he warned. According to him, tackling corruption effectively, with tangible results, “is about saving the foundations of the Republic”.
Furthermore, the ambassador recalled that investment and private sector development will only occur if the government can provide legal and procedural certainty and a corruption-free business environment.
He also called for the implementation and continuation of public finance management reforms. “Given the increased pressure on spending and declining revenues, it is essential to identify sustainable, secure and diverse sources of revenue to maintain and prioritise the delivery of essential services”, he warned.
Mr von Brandt also expressed concern that women’s empowerment is fading in government policies.
“Every citizen, anxious about the future, frustrated by corruption, tired of fighting, will have to be assured that a government under a democratic constitution offers the better alternative”, the ambassador warned, recalling that there is no room for compromise on fundamental principles.
Mr von Brandt recalled that for more than a decade Afghanistan has been the largest recipient of EU aid, with €100 million a year in direct budgetary support from the European Commission.
The EU intends to continue this assistance, but it remains conditional on respect for fundamental principles, according to the ambassador. The EU needs reassurance that the government is doing its best to protect what has already been achieved and to respond to the population as a whole, he added. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)