The European Union’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Gilles Bertrand, concluded a five-day visit to Kabul, where he held talks with Taliban officials, UN representatives, diplomats and civil society, focusing on security risks, regional tensions and human rights concerns, the EU office in Kabul said on Wednesday.
The visit, from April 17 to 21, was Bertrand’s third trip to Afghanistan since his appointment.
The EU delegation said Bertrand’s discussions covered Afghanistan’s internal security, the regional situation, economic challenges and humanitarian needs.
A central theme of the visit was the evolving security landscape. While some interlocutors noted improvements in public order in recent years, Bertrand raised concerns about broader threats beyond Afghanistan’s borders.
He warned about the continued presence and cross-border activities of militant groups with regional and potentially global reach, underscoring concerns that such groups could destabilize not only Afghanistan but the wider region.
Tensions between Taliban and Pakistan also featured prominently in the discussions. Bertrand called for restraint and de-escalation, urging both sides to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and to resume dialogue on security concerns, the statement said.
He welcomed mediation efforts by countries including Turkiye, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and China, noting that recent talks contributed to a temporary truce during Eid al-Fitr.
Human rights concerns were another central focus.
Bertrand reiterated the EU’s strong concerns about restrictions on women and girls, including limits on access to education, employment and public life, the statement said.
He described these measures as violations of international human rights standards and Afghanistan’s international commitments, and warned of their long-term consequences for the country’s development.
Afghanistan remains the only country where girls are barred from education beyond sixth grade, a policy the EU says continues to hinder normalization of relations.
The envoy also reaffirmed support for UN-led diplomatic efforts, including the Doha process, and emphasized the coordinating role of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan as a central platform for international engagement.
Humanitarian and economic issues were also discussed.
According to the statement, Bertrand addressed the ongoing return of Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan, stressing that returns should be safe, dignified and orderly, while acknowledging efforts by Taliban to receive large numbers of returnees.
The EU continues to provide assistance in Afghanistan through what it describes as a principled and pragmatic approach, focusing on health care, education, livelihoods and resilience. Programs are designed to ensure that women are both beneficiaries and participants in aid delivery.
Bertrand also highlighted the importance of strengthening Afghanistan’s private sector and addressing climate change, calling on donors to prioritize climate-related projects to mitigate long-term risks.
The visit comes as the EU has expressed its concerns on security and human rights, as it navigates its role in the country nearly five years after the Taliban returned to power.
