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In recent years, Afghanistan has been confronted with a number of challenges that threaten the progress made in its economic and social development and its democratic institutions. The European Union recognises that the delicate security situation and the fragile economic situation the country is facing, combined with a clear determination on the part of the Afghan authorities to implement much-needed reforms necessitates renewed attention from the international community. Today, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission have set out their vision for how the European Union can support Afghanistan both to address its challenges and to bring about positive change for the Afghan people.

The Joint Communication on elements for an EU strategy on Afghanistan is available online.

Federica Mogherini, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, said: "The Afghan people deserve peace and prosperity. As the European Union, we have been standing by them and will continue to do so, in support of the reform process, of Afghanistan's democratic path, of the rule of law and human rights, and of bringing peace to the country, to the benefit not only of all Afghans but also of the entire region and the international community as a whole. This work towards peace needs to be led by Afghans and owned by Afghans, but the active support of the region and of the international community is crucial. The Afghan people can count on the European Union to accompany this process.

Neven Mimica, the Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, said: "Afghanistan is not alone. We will continue the support which we have been providing since 2002 to make sure that the development achievements of the last years are not lost. With the EU's support, more Afghan women are actively participating in the country's politics. Access to health care has increased, and farmers are better supported to improve agricultural production than before. Moving forward to help Afghanistan overcome its many challenges, we will renew our engagement and focus on supporting good governance and the justice sector, creating sustainable growth and jobs, and ensuring basic social services for the Afghan people."

The Joint Communication sets out ways in which the European Union can work, in close cooperation with civil society, the Afghan authorities, and all stakeholders, towards lasting peace, a consolidated democracy, equitable development and social justice in Afghanistan. It proposes concrete actions, focussing on five priority areas:

Peace, stability and regional security:

Democracy, rule of law and human rights:

Economic and human development:

Migration:

Empowering Women:

The Joint Communication is the latest illustration of the European Union's strong engagement in and strong commitment to Afghanistan. Notably, it follows the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan, held in October 2016 in Brussels, the signing of a new EU-Afghanistan Cooperation Agreement on Partnership and Development in February 2017, and the appointment of a Special Envoy to Afghanistan in June.

The actions proposed in the Joint Communication will be discussed with the EU Member States and the European Parliament in the coming weeks, and will contribute to a new EU Strategy on Afghanistan, to be finalised soon afterwards.

Further Information

Joint Communication: Elements for an EU Strategy on Afghanistan

Factsheet: EU-Afghanistan relations

Website: Delegation of the European Union to Afghanistan

Website: International Cooperation and Development - Afghanistan

Press Release: European Union strengthens engagement with Afghanistan through the appointment of a Special Envoy

Press Release: Brussels Conference on Afghanistan: realising Afghanistan's economic potential and reinforcing the role of women

Press Release: Brussels Conference on Afghanistan: continued international support for Afghanistan's political and economic stability and development

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Proposal for a new EU strategy on Afghanistan: in support of peace and prosperity - EU News