More than €2bn provided in aid to Afghanistan in past 5 years: EU — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): The European Union (EU) says it has provided more than €2 billion in assistance to Afghanistan over the past five years, focusing on humanitarian aid, basic needs and livelihoods. In a statement issued on Thursday, the EU said the assistance had been used in the health, education and humanitarian sectors, as well as for other essential services. According to the statement, the aid is being delivered through non-governmental organisations, UN agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Afghan Red Crescent Society and the World Bank Group. The EU said its assistance had also supported women’s economic empowerment, microfinance, small businesses, climate change initiatives, civil society and the media in Afghanistan. The bloc added that it had supported returnees and host communities in response to challenges linked to displacement and migration. The statement quoted EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas as saying that the EU would continue to support the Afghan people.