The rapid resurgence of the Taliban and the fall of major cities, including Kabul, spell an uncertain future for European security and the protection of rights, particularly women’s rights, in Afghanistan.

The positions expressed by the Taliban – and the news to emerge from the areas under its control – presage a considerable curtailment in the rights of the local people, as well as reprisals and violence against those who ‘collaborated’ with Western forces.

The women caught up in the crisis are facing an even more terrible fate that will see them stripped of even the most basic rights (to education, movement, work and individual rights) – rights which Western forces did at least try to uphold in the areas under their control.

In view of how the situation is unfolding, I should like to ask:

1. How does the Commission intend to cooperate with the new regime in Kabul, particularly with regard to the cooperation projects that are under way, or will these be halted?

2. Given that a number of Member States have already expressed their unwillingness to accept refugees, how will it coordinate the effective selective management of refugee flows, and might humanitarian corridors be set up for women and children, i.e. the most vulnerable?

3. Given the risk of terrorism and, above all, the possible upsurge in migratory flows towards the EU, what impact does it believe the Taliban’s victory will have on EU security?