EU Envoy Warns Cutting Engagement with Afghanistan to Carry Heavy Consequences

DID Press: Gilles Bertrand, EU’s special representative for Afghanistan, warned that cutting international engagement with Afghanistan would carry serious consequences for the country.

Bertrand said there is no broad opposition inside Afghanistan to continued international engagement with the current authorities, adding that much of the criticism comes from Afghans living abroad.

He cautioned that deeper isolation would impose heavy economic and humanitarian costs on the Afghan population.

The EU envoy stressed that to move out of isolation, Afghanistan’s rulers must comply with their international commitments and respond positively to demands raised by the UN Security Council.

He added that the formation of an inclusive government and respect for citizens’ fundamental rights are prerequisites for improving relations with the international community.

The remarks come as the EU continues its engagement with the Taliban while insisting on tangible improvements in human rights, including reopening schools and universities to girls and women—an issue that has drawn sustained criticism from international bodies.