The European Commission has allocated 1 billion euros in emergency aid to the people of Afghanistan. Earlier, European Commission President von der Leyen promised a support package of 300 million euros. over there added Several hundred million at the G20 meeting today.

The G-20, a grouping of 19 major industrialized nations and the European Union, met online today to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban seized power in August, a humanitarian crisis has loomed in the country. For example, the United Nations warns of famine and the Afghan health care system as well when collapsing.

Funds to help organizations

During the G-20 talks, the question of whether aid could be provided to Afghanistan without the international community’s recognition of the Taliban government was first discussed. For this reason, the European Commission wants EU funds to reach the population through aid organizations in Afghanistan and not to the Taliban.

“The Afghan people should not pay the price for the actions of the Taliban,” von der Leyen said. That is why this support package is for the Afghan people and the neighboring countries that can help them first. For example, the money could be used to coordinate the flow of migrants from Afghanistan.

Regular European development assistance to Afghanistan remains frozen for the time being. The European Union decided to do so when the Taliban seized power in the country.

Contact with the Taliban

At the G20 meeting, both Turkish President Erdogan and Italian Prime Minister Draghi said contact between the international community and the Taliban is necessary to help the people in the country. “It is difficult to determine how to help people in Afghanistan without involving the Taliban,” Draghi said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has long supported talks with the Taliban. “Recognition of the regime is not on the agenda,” she said at the international summit. “But talks are necessary.”