The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The European Union has reiterated that its engagement with the Taliban does not amount to formal recognition, while stressing that it will continue maintaining its operational presence in Afghanistan to support humanitarian and monitoring efforts.
Adalbert Jahnz, spokesperson for the foreign affairs and
security policy of the European Commission, said in a recent press briefing
that the bloc’s engagement with the Taliban is strictly practical and should
not be interpreted as political recognition.
He stated that the European Union has been mandated by its
Council to maintain operational contact with the de facto authorities in
Afghanistan. He emphasized that this engagement is limited in scope and does
not imply any form of official recognition of the Taliban.
Jahnz further said the EU continues to maintain its presence
on the ground in Afghanistan, noting that this allows the bloc to facilitate
communication channels, monitor developments in the country, support member
states, and continue delivering assistance for the benefit of the Afghan
population.
The remarks come amid ongoing international debate over how
to engage with Afghanistan’s current authorities, particularly in relation to
humanitarian access and migration management.
Earlier, Agence France-Presse reported that the European
Union is working on organizing a meeting concerning the deportation of Afghan
asylum seekers, which may include participation involving Taliban
representatives, despite concerns raised by human rights organizations and
United Nations refugee agencies.
