In global politics, alliances are fluid, shaped by pragmatic interests that frequently drive shifts in relationships between nations. Seasoned EU observers know that the European bloc’s oft-proclaimed support to human rights and the rule of law is driven less by values than by strategic self-interest.

A closer look reveals that the EU continues to support numerous authoritarian regimes around the globe under the guise of humanitarian aid or governance reform efforts that, in reality, serve to safeguard  its own strategic interests

It is not surprising that Europe is seeking to improve its ties with the Taliban in Afghanistan and may, sooner or later, move toward normalizing diplomatic relations with the de facto rulers in Kabul. The fact is that the Taliban, despite its insurgent past, now controls Afghanistan, strategically an important country in the Central Asian and South Asian region.

Moreover, the rapidly evolving global geopolitical landscape, marked by the war in Ukraine, the recent Israel-Iran conflict, India’s Operation Sindoor against Pakistan,  the unpredictability of Donald Trump’s policies, and a surge in foreign diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan is compelling Brussels to reconsider its approach  toward the Taliban.

Reassessing Kabul policy

Since the humiliating  withdrawal of US and NATO forces in 2021, which marked a significant defeat for Western intervention, the Taliban have made notable strides in seeking international diplomatic recognition and engagement.

Countries such as Russia, China, and India have degrees of engagement with the Taliban, despite ongoing challenges and international sanctions.These regional  powers recognize that Afghanistan’s stability is closely tied to their own strategic and economic interests.

 Western sanctions have proven increasingly ineffective in today’s shifting geopolitical landscape. As countries, particularly in Asia, diversify their economic partnerships, the global economy is no longer solely reliant on the West. This shift is prompting many nations to reassess their approach to Afghanistan and the Taliban.

Security situation better

During the 20-year US and NATO occupation, Afghanistan was effectively governed by a patchwork of warlords whose grip on power was often sustained through drug trafficking and entrenched corruption, factors that contributed to widespread insecurity across the country.

 Today, by contrast, any impartial observer would acknowledge that security has largely been restored nationwide and that drug trafficking has been significantly curtailed.

EU's shifting stance

Since the Taliban’s takeover in  Kabul in 2021, the EU’s policy on Afghanistan has largely centered on condemning the country’s human rights situation, particularly the treatment of women, while providing limited humanitarian aid to maintain a minimal level of engagement without legitimizing the regime.

The EU put  five benchmarks as conditions to improve ties with Kabul which are : allow the safe, secure and orderly departure of all foreign nationals and Afghans who wish to leave the country;  respect all human rights, in particular the rights of women and girls, as well as children and persons belonging to minorities;  allow the implementation of humanitarian  operations in Afghanistan;  prevent Afghanistan from serving as a base for hosting, financing or exporting terrorism to other countries; and  establish an  inclusive and representative government through negotiations.

The EU recently hosted a senior officials' conference in Brussels, widely seen as a diplomatic feeler to gauge the Taliban’s response and assess the prospects of future engagement. The two-day conference on June 16-17, was co-hosted by the EU foreign service known as European External Action Service (EEAS) and the EU’s development and humanitarian aid  arms .

After the meeting, the EU announced a  commitment of 161 million  euro in humanitarian aid to support the most vulnerable Afghans, both within the country and across the broader region.

No Taliban representative was present at the meeting,  but representatives of Afghan civil society were in attendance. The meeting  came amid growing contacts between the de-facto rulers in Afghanistan, the Taliban, and  representatives of foreign governments including European nations.

Russia, Norway advance ties

Indian special envoy Anand Prakash visited Kabul in April for talks with senior Taliban leaders aimed at strengthening political and trade ties. This followed a meeting in Tashkent where Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov hosted a Taliban delegation to discuss the proposed trans-Afghan railway project.

In the most significant shift so far, Russia removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations and agreed to the exchange of ambassadors between Kabul and Moscow.

Diplomatic ties between Norway and Afghanistan’s Taliban have also advanced. Norway is the first European country to formally host a diplomat appointed by the Taliban administration. Norwegian Chargé d’Affaires for Afghanistan, Per Albert Ilsaas, called on Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi on 18 June.

Calling Norway’s accreditation of Afghanistan’s envoy as a positive step toward confidence-building and enhancing relations. Muttaqi also acknowledged Norway’s constructive role in the relations between Afghanistan and the  Western  world, said the Afghan foreign ministry in a statement. Although Norway is not an EU member state, it belongs to  the European Economic Area and hence  its diplomatic decisions carry weight across Europe.

 An EU spokesman  recently said the EU diplomatic mission was the only presence from the 27-member bloc in Kabul so far, but declined to comment on the possible return of individual EU member states, saying it was a decision for those governments.

 A British government report in March said it was pursuing a policy of “limited and pragmatic” engagement with Taliban officials via its embassy in Doha, Qatar.

Yet, despite these growing engagements, no country has formally recognized the Taliban regime yet.

Stark contrast to Islamic teachings

An EU statement after the Brussels meeting noted that “the human rights situation continues to deteriorate—especially for women and girls—prompting strong calls for a united international response”. Yet, notably, the EU stopped short of outright condemnation of the Taliban, signalling a potentially softer stance, hinting at efforts to lay the groundwork for a possible rapprochement.

In the past, the EU  has condemned the Taliban’s “systematic suppression of women and girls”  and called for their empowerment, participation, and leadership in society.

However, the Taliban’s severe restrictions on education for girls and women stand in stark contrast to Islamic teachings, making their policy both controversial and difficult to justify within the broader Muslim world.

Islam has consistently acknowledged the vital role of women in society and strongly emphasizes the importance of their intellectual development. Education is a fundamental tenet of the Islamic  faith, with equal value placed on learning for both men and women. In fact, numerous Islamic teachings specifically highlight the significance of girls’ education as essential to a just and thriving society.

The teachings of the Quran and Prophet Muhammad  emphasize the significance of knowledge and encourage both men and women to seek it. The Prophet has said that seeking knowledge is an “obligation upon every Muslim.” These teachings highlight that education is not limited to a specific gender but is a right and obligation for all Muslims, regardless of whether they are male or female.

It is being hoped that the Taliban will reconsider their stance on girls’ and women’s education, recognizing that meaningful engagement with the wider world depends on upholding this fundamental human right.

(The author is an Indian journalist who is a long time resident in Brussels and covers the EU. Views expressed are personal. He can be reached nawab_khan@hotmail.com)