Five years on from the Taliban’s return to power, Afghanistan remains gripped by a profound crisis. Together with the organisations of ENNA — the European Network of NGOs on Afghanistan, of which INTERSOS is a member — we call on the European Union, its Member States, and the international community to maintain long-term support to the Afghan people.
15 August 2026 marks five years since the return of the Taliban to power. Already vulnerable from decades of war, aid dependency, and climate shocks, Afghanistan has been plunged into economic collapse by suspension of development aid, and frozen foreign reserves. This crisis was further worsened by regional tensions that cut off vital trade routes. Still, Afghans across the country continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience, solidarity, and determination in sustaining their communities and livelihoods.
Humanitarian assistance provides access to basic services and protection to thousands of vulnerable Afghans, but it cannot, on its own, address Afghanistan’s structural challenges. Sustainable development investments are necessary to strengthen education, local economies, climate resilience, and public services. Afghanistan requires an approach that combines principled humanitarian action with long-term development investments.
As one of the main donors to Afghanistan, the European Union has a critical role to play in supporting the Afghan people. The EU’s presence in Kabul remains essential to ensure that the country’s dire situation is not forgotten and to maintain dialogue with the de facto authorities, including to continue advocating for the rights of women and girls and to facilitate operational access.
As European Network of NGOs on Afghanistan, we call on the EU and its Member States, and the international community, to maintain principled and long-term engagement with Afghanistan, recognising that disengagement would primarily harm ordinary Afghans.
We call for predictable, multi-year humanitarian and development financing that addresses urgent needs while strengthening essential services, climate resilience, and local economies.
We call for strengthened support to Afghan civil society, including local and women-led organisations, through meaningful consultation, direct partnerships, and sustained investment in locally led and inclusive approaches.