EU pledges US$1.2 billion aid package for Afghanistan as it opens G20 virtual summit

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the EU aid package, meant ‘to avert a major humanitarian and socio-economic collapse’

The Taliban is seeking recognition, as well as help to avoid a humanitarian disaster after they returned to power in August

Reading Time:3 minutes

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Photo: Reuters

Published: 10:27pm, 12 Oct 2021Updated: 11:21pm, 12 Oct 2021

The Taliban on Tuesday held their first face-to-face talks with a joint US-EU delegation in Qatar as Brussels pledged €1 billion (US$1.2 billion) in aid for Afghanistan.

The hardline Islamists are seeking recognition, as well as assistance to avoid a humanitarian disaster, after they returned to power in August following the withdrawal of US troops after 20 years of war.

UN chief Antonio Guterres earlier urged the world to donate to drought-hit and impoverished Afghanistan to head off economic collapse, but also slammed the Taliban’s “broken” promises to Afghan women and girls.

International leaders take part virtually in an extraordinary G20 leaders meeting on Afghanistan on Tuesday. Photo: Palazzo Chigi Press Office via Reuters

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the EU aid package, meant “to avert a major humanitarian and socio-economic collapse”, at a virtual G20 summit hosted by Italy on Tuesday.

She stressed the funds are “direct support” for Afghans and would be channelled to international organisations working on the ground, not to the Taliban’s interim government which Brussels does not recognise.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x