Civilian police, a priority for the EU. But the 27 refuse to commit after 2014

(BRUSSELS2) Afghanistan was one of the topics on the agenda of the meeting of the 27 EU foreign ministers today (14 May). Important point before the meeting of the Atlantic Alliance in Chicago. The "27" underlined "the importance for the international community to adopt a comprehensive approach to post-2014 engagement, given the correlation between security and the long-term development of Afghanistan.“But they refused to commit to specific funding after 2014. This was requested in particular by NATO and the Americans.

Security, "vital", civilian police "priority" for the EU

As far as safety is concerned, it is "vital for donors to deliver assistance effectively across the country."The 27 emphasize the strengthening of the civilian police because"ensuring the professionalism and quality of the Afghan police is a higher priority than numbers alone sufficient funds"."Civilian police will remain the priority of EU assistance to the security sector“Ministers emphasize”the importance of continued cooperation and coordination between EUPOL, NATO and Member State training missions".

After 2014, commitment in principle, to be defined later

The EUPOL Afghanistan mission must continue until the end of 2014, already. The decision in principle had already been taken. "EU support for Afghan efforts to strengthen the police and the rule of law" continue to "after 2014". The ministers did not want to commit beyond that. Because everything will also depend on a series of international meetings which will take place over the next few weeks: NATO on May 20 and 21, Kabul on June 14, Tokyo on July 8. The Council must address "soon"the question of what form it should take.

The EU also intends to increase the amount of its financial aid to the Afghan National Police through the LOFTA fund (Law and Order Trust Fund). "It is essential that the LOFTA be managed in an efficient, transparent and accountable manner. But some countries - notably net contributors like France - do not want there to be any commitment on Afghanistan before a more comprehensive agreement on the EU's multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020.

Afghan authorities returned to their responsibility on elections, finances and justice

The 27 recalled their support for the Afghan government "during the decade of transformation". They call on local authorities to take responsibility for "fulfilling their commitments to improve political and economic governance". Especially for "the holding of inclusive and credible presidential and legislative elections". For that, "the EU stands ready to continue supporting Afghan efforts to reform the electoral system". In addition, priority must be given to the establishment of a "active and independent civil society","respect for human rights, particularly those of women and children" as well as to "strengthening of the judicial sector, which is an essential counterpart of a stronger civilian police". The management of public finances must be improved, in particular by ensuring transparency of flows linked to international aid. The question of corruption and the "evaporation" of the various sums given by the international community is and still remains problematic. .

Read also:

• Eupol in Afghanistan until 2014 or even ad vitam aeternam. A cooperation agreement to be negotiated
• Afghanistan: close EUPOL and review strategy. A MEP puts his feet in the dish.
• Civil-military aid in Afghanistan: a costly illusion according to Ifri

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