The European Union has not decided whether to formally recognize the Taliban regime, but European financial assistance will determine the terms, said the Slovenian foreign minister, who holds the rotating presidency of the union.
Ange Logar noted that the characterization of the Taliban as a terrorist organization by some European countries means that the recognition of the Taliban is not only a diplomatic but also a legal issue.
Recognition of a Taliban government by other countries is associated with important consequences, such as Afghanistan’s access to foreign aid on which the country depends. The European Union is the largest donor in the world.
The European Commission is planning to provide € 300 million in aid for 2021 and 2022 and is seeking the relocation of some 30.000 Afghans, but the proposal needs the support of member countries.