The European Parliament believes that Europe should provide aid to Afghanistan and that there must be European unity on how to handle migration. The EU is willing to discuss humanitarian aid with the Taliban but emphasizes that "this does not mean that the regime is politically recognized."
During an emergency meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee, EU foreign chief Josep Borrell said the situation in Afghanistan is "a catastrophe" for the Afghans and for the West. “My first priority is to bring the people who have collaborated with the EU to Europe.”
Borrell announced that 106 Afghan staff members who work for EU institutions have already been evacuated to Madrid. Another 300 are struggling to reach Kabul airport, the most difficult part of the escape, he said. “We have a moral obligation to support them” in leaving Afghanistan.
Borrell said that "lessons can be learned from the failure of this nation-building operation. The United States spent 300 million dollars a day for 20 years, ultimately with very modest results,” adding that the US now wonders whether ‘nation-building’ was ever truly the goal.
Many Members of the European Parliament emphasized the need to reconsider the failures of a two-decade intervention and the risk of renewed terrorist threats under a Taliban regime, pointing to the necessity of developing a coordinated EU policy for the region, particularly highlighting Russia and China.
There are currently nearly four million displaced people in Afghanistan. These numbers will likely increase, so according to the EP it is essential that the international community continues to support the Afghan population.
Last week the Taliban reestablished their power in Afghanistan, leading to a crisis in which masses of Afghans tried to escape. In a statement on Tuesday, August 16, members of the European Parliament called on “all parties to guarantee and facilitate the safe and orderly departure of foreigners and Afghans wishing to leave the country.”
Europe bears “a moral responsibility for those who have worked for the EU, NATO, and other international and civil society organizations,” it was argued.