As the Afghan crisis evolves, so does the EU’s response, said European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen during an exchange of views with members of the European Parliament’s Development Committee (DEVE) on Tuesday 9 November.
Responding to MEPs’ concerns, the Commissioner outlined the efforts being made to implement the €1 billion package of direct population assistance announced by the European Commission at the G20 on 12 October to prevent a major socio-economic collapse and humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries - a collapse that poses “an extreme security risk to the region and the world” (see EUROPE 12810/3).
This €1bn includes €300m of humanitarian aid and at least €250 million for ‘Humanitarian Aid Plus’ actions that go beyond life-saving actions, but are not development aid. The allocation of the rest of the envelope will be decided on the basis of emerging needs in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries.
“We are working on the implementation of this approach, which will focus on meeting the needs of health, nutrition, clean water, sanitation and education, especially for women and girls”, said Ms Urpilainen.
This will include support for social workers in health and education, funding for income-generating activities in local markets, continued support for NGOs in their efforts to protect women and human rights defenders.
“No funds will flow through the government. Development aid will remain frozen”, Urpilainen said.
To minimise the risk of regional destabilisation and prepare for a potential influx of refugees, an initiative is being prepared, which 12 EU Member States are willing to join, to help neighbouring countries manage migration, and prevent terrorism, organised crime or human trafficking. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)