EU Afghanistan envoy raises women's rights and security in Kabul talks
EU Special Envoy Thomas Frellesen visited Kabul on 12–14 October 2026, raising women's restrictions, terrorism, narcotics and regional stability with the de facto authorities.
The story in focus
EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan Thomas Frellesen visited Kabul from 12 to 14 October 2026, meeting de facto authorities, diplomats, UN and OIC representatives and civil society. The EU said women's restrictions remain a key obstacle to normalising relations and urged resumed Afghanistan-Pakistan dialogue.
- Frellesen held exchanges with Afghan de facto authorities, the diplomatic community, UN and OIC representatives and civil society during the 12–14 October visit.
- The EU said restrictions on women and girls are a key impediment to normalising relations with the de facto authorities.
- The envoy urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resume dialogue and called for de-escalation and protection of civilians.
Talks with the de facto authorities
EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan Thomas Frellesen visited Kabul from 12 to 14 October 2026, according to a statement dated 14 October. He met high-level representatives of the Afghan de facto authorities, members of the diplomatic community including regional partners, UN and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation representatives, and Afghan civil society actors.
The EU said the human rights situation was raised in all discussions. After meeting Afghan women's civil society organisations, Frellesen reiterated the bloc's concerns over restrictions affecting women and girls, describing them as a key impediment to normalising relations. Nothing in the statement indicates the de facto authorities changed any policy.
Security, narcotics and regional stability
The statement said the overall security situation in Afghanistan has generally improved, while the EU expressed concern about the continued presence and cross-border activities of terrorist groups, including ISKP. Frellesen stressed that the de facto authorities must deliver on their commitment that Afghan territory will not be used to threaten other countries.
On counter-narcotics, the EU acknowledged the authorities' efforts but voiced concern about renewed growth in poppy cultivation, calling for sustainable alternative livelihoods. On regional stability, the envoy urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resume dialogue, backed de-escalation and welcomed mediation efforts, including the OIC's role. The next step is continued EU support for the UN-led Doha process.
What did the EU say is blocking normalisation of relations with Afghanistan's de facto authorities?
The EU said restrictions affecting women and girls are a key impediment to normalising relations. Envoy Thomas Frellesen raised the issue with the de facto authorities during his 12–14 October 2026 Kabul visit.
Sources & further reading
- EU Special Envoy Thomas Frellesen Concludes Visit to Afghanistan, Thursday, 15 October 2026 ↗eeas.europa.eu
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