EU sets conditions for Taliban ties, eyes Kabul 'presence'
European Union flags flutter outside the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium May 5, 2021
EUcountries on Friday laid out theirconditionsfor stepping up engagement with theTaliban, agreeing to establish a jointKabul"presence" to help departures if security allows.
"We have to engage with the new government in Afghanistan, which doesn't mean recognition, it's an operational engagement,"EUforeign policy chief Josep Borrell said, following a meeting of the bloc's foreign ministers in Slovenia.
"This operational engagement will increase depending on the behaviour of this government."
He laid out a raft of "benchmarks" that the new authorities would have to meet as theTalibangears up to announce a new government after seizing power.
These included Afghanistan not serving as a base for terrorism, respecting the rights of women and the media, the establishment of an "inclusive and representative" government, and allowing access for aid.
)
Have 7,000 Karnataka students tested positive for HIV? Here's the truth
)
Bomb-making note found at Ayodhya medical college, 1st-year student detained. Here’s all we know
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
CJP's Abhijit Dipke speaks to protesting students in Jharkhand, extends support to their demands: Will he go to Ranchi?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How often does an S-400 need maintenance?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
From Tom Holland-Zendaya to Blake Lively-Ryan Reynolds: Actors who met on sets and fell in love and married
)
World's largest digital camera captures over 500,000 galaxies, 50,000 stars in one stunning image
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
7 longest flights in the world - Singapore, Qantas, Qatar and others
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
One S-400 battery, dozens of targets: How it fights an air battle in seconds
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Italy will not...’: Meloni threatens Spain’s Schengen access after thousands enter Ceuta from Morocco
)
Tamil Nadu leader Udhayanidhi Stalin draws severe backlash over derogatory remark against Trisha
)
'Muslims should not befriend kaafirs': Pak Army DG says India-Afghan ties that of 'master-slave'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (August 3-9, 2026): Main Vaapas Aaunga, Uyir, Operation Safed Sagar- 6 titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
What’s happening in Nepal? How did a local clash turn into communal violence? WION Decodes
)
Who is Ruchika Singh, booked for using foul language against PM Modi at Jantar Mantar protests?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 openers with fastest ODI centuries, check who tops list
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian jets use heavier steel compared to US jets
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
‘Pakistan eroded India's faith bit by bit’: Indian envoy defends putting Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Can an S-400 detect a bird?
)
Why did India turn down the US offer for F-35 fighter jets? EXPLAINED
)
'FIR not withdrawn' against Noida teen who 'abused' PM Modi despite apology, claims CJP
)
At least 3 killed in mass shooting at Idaho restaurant, shocking video of gunman open firing with AR-style rifle surfaces
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Fifth-generation fighters': Can the S-400 shoot down an F-35?
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
From trash to energy: Scientists turn plastic waste into Hydrogen fuel using a new technique - Here's how
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter pilots wear blue flight suits compared to US pilots
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
August 2025 movie release calendar: Toxic, Batwara 1947, Awarapan 2 and all big-ticket films hitting theatres
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
In addition, he said that theTalibanmust live up to its commitment to allow foreign nationals and Afghans at "risk" to leave after the US-led evacuations ended at the end of August.
Borrell saidEUcountries agreed to establish a jointpresenceinKabulif security allows to deal with theTalibanand ensure the departure of Afghans the bloc had been unable to get out of the country.
EUdiplomats have left Afghanistan for neighbouring countries or to return to their homelands.
On humanitarian aid, Borrell said theEUwould look to step up its help for the Afghan people but would judge the authorities "according to the access they provide".
TheEUis also looking to bolster coordination with Afghanistan's neighbours as it looks to stave off a large-scale flow of migrants from the country to Europe.
Borrell said that the bloc would look to set up a "regional political platform" with the countries around Afghanistan aimed at helping to stabilise the situation.