Developments in Afghanistan

USPA NEWS - Justice and Home Affairs Council

Home affairs ministers met to discuss developments in Afghanistan, more specifically in relation to potential implications in the areas of international protection, migration and security. The Council adopted a statement on the matter.

I am very pleased that today we have shown unity and agreed a joint statement on the EU's common response to the situation in Afghanistan. The EU remains committed to support vulnerable Afghans, and in particular women and children, both in Afghanistan and in the region. At the same time, we are determined to prevent smugglers and human traffickers from exploiting this dire situation by coordinating our response to any illegal migration movements and protecting the EU external borders. (Aleš Hojs, Minister of the Interior of Slovenia)

In the statement ministers highlighted that the evacuation of EU citizens and, to the extent possible, Afghan nationals who have cooperated with the EU and its member states and their families, has been conducted as a matter of priority and will be continued.

As an immediate priority, the EU will continue to coordinate with international partners, in particular the UN and its agencies, on the stabilization of the region and to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the vulnerable populations. The EU will also engage and strengthen its support to third countries, in particular the neighbouring and transit ones, hosting large numbers of migrants and refugees.

The EU will also cooperate with those countries to prevent illegal migration from the region. The EU and its member states also stand determined to act jointly to prevent the recurrence of uncontrolled large-scale illegal migration movements faced in the past, by preparing a coordinated and orderly response. With the support of Frontex, they remain determined to effectively protect the EU external borders and prevent unauthorized entries, as well as assist the most affected member states.

The EU and its Member States will do their utmost to ensure that the situation in Afghanistan does not lead to new security threats for EU citizens. All efforts must be pursued to ensure that the Taliban regime ceases all ties and practices with international terrorism and that Afghanistan does not become once again a sanctuary for terrorists and organised crime groups.