02/03/2026 (Agence Europe) – In a statement issued on Saturday 28 February, the European Union called for an “immediate de-escalation” between Afghanistan and Pakistan, in the wake of a critical upsurge in cross-border violence during which Pakistan launched air strikes against several Afghan towns and declared “open warfare” against the Taliban. The EU is demanding a halt to hostilities, warning that this instability could have “serious implications for the region”. It reiterates that Afghan territory “must not be used to threaten or attack other countries” and urges the de facto Afghan authorities to take concrete action against all terrorist groups operating on their soil. Faced with the humanitarian risk, the EU is urging both parties to give priority to dialogue and to respect international law. “The protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure must be ensured,” it insisted. (JM)