KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The European Union’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Thomas Frellesen, has said restrictions imposed on women and girls remain a major obstacle to normalising relations between the bloc and Taliban authorities.
Frellesen made the remarks following a visit to Kabul from October 12 to 14, during which he met with representatives of the Taliban, diplomats, regional partners, the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Afghan civil society members, according to a statement released by the European External Action Service (EEAS) on Thursday.
The EU envoy discussed Afghanistan’s human rights situation during his meetings and heard directly from representatives of Afghan women’s civil society organisations about the impact of restrictions and the resilience of women in the country.
He reiterated the European Union’s concerns over restrictions affecting women and girls, describing them as a key impediment to normalising relations with the Taliban authorities.
Frellesen also discussed Afghanistan’s security situation, acknowledging that overall security had generally improved while expressing concern over the continued presence and cross-border activities of armed groups, including the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP).
He stressed that the Taliban authorities must fulfil their commitment not to allow Afghan territory to be used to threaten the security of other countries.
The EU envoy also raised concerns over a renewed increase in poppy cultivation, while acknowledging efforts by Taliban authorities to address narcotics-related challenges. He emphasised the need to provide sustainable alternative livelihoods for farmers affected by restrictions on poppy cultivation, noting that the European Union was already supporting such initiatives.
Regional tensions, particularly between Afghanistan and Pakistan, were another focus of the visit. Frellesen called on both sides to resume dialogue to address their security concerns and stressed the importance of de-escalation and protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The European Union welcomed mediation efforts by regional and international partners and recognised the OIC’s role in promoting peace and stability. The bloc also expressed support for regional connectivity initiatives, saying they could contribute to economic development and improve the well-being of Afghans.
Frellesen reaffirmed the EU’s support for the United Nations-led Doha Process, stressing the need for a coordinated international approach and constructive engagement by the Taliban authorities to facilitate Afghanistan’s reintegration into the international community.
He also underlined the importance of inclusive governance and compliance with Afghanistan’s international obligations.
During the visit, the EU envoy discussed continued humanitarian assistance to Afghans, including support for healthcare, education, resilience and livelihoods, particularly for people returning from Iran and Pakistan.
He said EU assistance follows a principled approach under which women are both primary beneficiaries and participants in delivering aid. He also stressed that returns to Afghanistan should be safe, dignified and orderly.
Climate change and its potentially devastating effects on Afghanistan were also discussed, with Frellesen calling for greater prioritisation of climate-related projects.
The envoy further highlighted the importance of a resilient private sector and the preservation of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage. During his visit, he toured Kabul’s Machine Khana industrial complex, which was restored with support from the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
The European Union said its engagement with Afghanistan remains principled and pragmatic, with a focus on the needs of the Afghan people.
The visit comes as Afghanistan remains diplomatically isolated under Taliban rule, with restrictions on women’s education, employment and public life continuing to strain relations with international partners. The EU’s position reflects its effort to maintain engagement on humanitarian and security issues while insisting that respect for human rights, inclusive governance and international obligations are essential to Afghanistan’s broader reintegration.
