The EU foreign ministers defined the conditions for operational engagement with the Taliban at their informal meeting in Kranj (Slovenia) on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 September, according to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.
“We will have to engage with the new government, which does not mean recognition. It is an operational commitment that will increase depending on the behaviour of the government”, he explained to the media.
In order to “measure” this behaviour, the Europeans have set five criteria. The first, cited by Mr Borrell, is about security and relates to the Taliban’s commitment not to let Afghanistan be used as a “base for the export of terrorism to other countries”.
The Taliban must also respect human rights and, in particular, women’s rights, the rule of law and freedom of the media.
Another condition is the establishment of an “inclusive and representative” transitional government through negotiations between Afghan political forces. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a co-founder of the Taliban, is reportedly likely to head the government, which is not expected to include any women.
The Taliban must also allow free access to humanitarian aid, according to European conditions and procedures.
“We will increase humanitarian aid, but the Taliban will be judged on how much access they give to that aid”, Borrell said.
Finally, the Taliban must respect their commitment to the departure of foreigners and Afghans at risk who want to leave the country and were unable to do so during the evacuations, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2593. On this last point, the High Representative explained that Member States would continue to support people at risk who wish to leave.
Opening an EU office in Kabul
Mr Borrell also announced that in order to implement the evacuations and evaluate the implementation of the criteria, the Europeans would work in a coordinated manner.
“The Member States have given a mandate to the High Representative and his office to centralise our relations with the new Afghan Government”, explained Slovenian Foreign Minister Anže Logar.
The Europeans will therefore coordinate their contacts with the Taliban, including through a joint EU presence in Kabul coordinated by the European External Action Service (EEAS) - if the security conditions are met, Borrell said. If the opening of an “office” as designated by the High Representative, is not possible in Kabul, then it will be set up in Doha.
The EU diplomatic chief also explained that the opening of such an office in Kabul was “not at all” a first step towards recognising the Taliban regime, but that it was easier to talk face-to-face rather than by video conference.
“Member States are not going to reopen an embassy tomorrow (in Afghanistan) and we are not going to reopen the EU delegation. But we can have an office with people in charge of coordinating the first mission, which is the evacuation” of those who need to be evacuated, he said.
Strengthening international coordination
The High Representative also stressed the need to coordinate the engagement of relevant regional and international partners.
“To this end, the ministers considered it appropriate that, under the auspices of the EEAS, the EU should launch a regional political platform for cooperation with Afghanistan’s neighbours”, he announced. Mr Borrell said that the platform will discuss, among other things, the management of population flows from Afghanistan, the prevention of the spread of terrorism, and the fight against organised crime, including drug trafficking and human trafficking.
The EU will also coordinate closely with the US and other regional partners and organisations in the G7 and G20 and continue to work with specialised agencies. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)