EU Council Conclusions for enhanced EU engagement in Afghanistan and Pakistan

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"The Council reiterates the EU's strong engagement in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It welcomes the ongoing work, urges rapid delivery on existing priorities and reconfirms its long-term commitment to working with the people and governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan, and to further strengthen and improve the EU's efforts and contribution to the stability, reconstruction and development of the countries.

To this end, the Council invites the SG/HR and the Commission to look at how to further enhance and improve the EU's engagement in Afghanistan, building on existing policies and activities, and report to the Council by October 2009 with further concrete recommendations, policy priorities and a strategy for EU engagement. This work should prepare the EU for co-operation with the incoming government. The Council invites Member States to contribute to this task with the aim of enhancing and consolidating the EU's approach to Afghanistan. Areas where the EC's and Member States' actions and resources can be further aligned, should be identified. In this regard, the Council recalls the importance it attaches to working towards a single EU representation in order to enhance the EU's coherence and visibility in Afghanistan.

As for Pakistan, the Council acknowledges the country's strategic importance for stability in the region. With a view to forging a stronger EU-Pakistan partnership, the Council invites the SG/HR and the Commission to follow up on outcome of the planned ad hoc summit, and report back to the Council on progress and with recommendations for further action by October 2009. The Council also invites the Member States to contribute to this task with the aim of enhancing and consolidating the EU's approach to the Pakistan, including with concrete recommendations, policy priorities and a strategy for EU engagement."

| Arriba |

• EUHR Solana visits Afghanistan ahead of elections (21/7/2009)
• Summary of remarks by EUHR Solana during his trip to Pakistan (20/7/2009)
• Afghanistan: EU to observe the upcoming elections (13/7/2009)
• EU Presidency Statement - United Nations: Security Council Debate on the Situation in Afghanistan (30/6/2009)
• First EU-Pakistan Summit: European Commission boosts humanitarian aid up to €72 million and supports strategic dialogue (17/6/2009)
• Joint Statement from EU-Pakistan Summit (17/6/2009)
• EU Council conclusions on European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) (18/5/2009)
• Pakistan: EU Commission earmarks €5.5 million for immediate humanitarian assistance to internal conflict victims (14/5/2009)
• Humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan: EU Commission provides additional €35 million (6/5/2009)