EU foreign Minister Josep Borrell

EU Foreign Minister Josep Borrell warned of the "tragedy" unfolding in Afghanistan, adding that Europeans must be pushed to take on military intervention capabilities to deal with the impending crises in the country.

It is worth mentioning that after the Taliban’s rapid takeover of Afghanistan, foreign countries rushed to evacuate their nationals and Afghan collaborators.

Borrell, speaking to AFP from Spain in a telephone interview, said that “the Americans want to evacuate 60,000 people between now and the end of this month. It is mathematically impossible.”

Earlier, European allies called on the US to delay its withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The top European diplomat added that “we have complained” to the Americans that their airport security was too tight and hindered attempts by Afghans working to get Europeans in.

Furthermore, Borrell stated that only 150 of the 400 Afghans employed by the EU have been evacuated so far.

He went on to say, "Kabul has two airports, one of which is controlled by the Taliban and from which no flights are operated, meanwhile, the US military is currently in control of Kabul’s airport and running its air traffic control operations.”

Borrell emphasized that "if the Americans leave, on August 31, the Europeans will not have the military capacity to control and secure the military airport and the Taliban will control it."

To get in touch with the Taliban

EU foreign Minister also considered that Europeans have to get in touch with the Taliban, stressing “the Taliban have won the war, so we will have to talk with them”.

Borrell believed that it will be impossible to get all Afghans who need protection out of Kabul, our priority is to get our citizens and Afghan collaborators out."

“What is happening in Afghanistan is a tragedy,” the big question is: why did that happen?” he asked.

“I apologize for the way things are done, but no one asked for the opinion of Europeans”.

No substitute for Europeans

“Some countries will question American allies, who, as Joe Biden said, no longer want to fight the wars of others,” Borrell said.

“There is no substitute for Europeans. They should be organized to treat the world like this and not according to their dreams.”

Moreover, the top EU diplomat has also proposed that the EU must have a rapid reaction force of 50,000 troops capable of responding to conditions such as those living in Afghanistan.

”The plan is being discussed at the level of EU Defense Ministers, “he added.

On his account, Council of Europe President Charles Michel shared Borrell’s stance via Twitter.

The situation in #Afghanistan is not a success story for the international community.
We have to analyse how the EU can further deploy capabilities & positively influence international relations to defend its interests
Our EU strategic autonomy remains at the top of our agenda. pic.twitter.com/Z3WYptIeOU
— Charles Michel (@eucopresident) August 21, 2021

“Europe is only moving in times of crises. Afghanistan may wake him up. The time has come for us to give it a military force capable of fighting when the need arises, “Borrell concluded.