BRUSSELS, July 22

The European Union is weighing a new package of financial aid to Afghanistan and its neighbours to help limit the flow of refugees from the country,

ravaged by intense fighting between government forces and the Taliban, two officials said.

The ongoing withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan after almost two decades has galvanised the Taliban, who could retake control of large parts of the country, spurring a new flow of refugees.

The plan

• The EU plan, which is at a preparatory phase, will involve more financial help to Afghanistan, Pakistan and countries in the region, two EU officials said.
• The objective will be to help refugees closer to home and avoid a new flow of asylum seekers to the EU, the officials said.

In 2021, the EU is set to spend some 57 million euros ($67 million) in humanitarian support for Afghanistan. The financial support for the coming years will not be ready before the autumn and needs approval from EU governments. — Reuters