Here are the EU's five demands on the Taliban

EU countries must somehow have contact with the new leadership in Afghanistan, states Foreign Minister Josep Borrell at a press conference in Brdo in Slovenia.

But there was no recognition when the EU countries discussed how to relate to the Taliban government, says Sweden's Foreign Minister Ann Linde (S).

- There was no one who thought we should admit, it was not on the table.

But on the other hand, what criteria should apply to be able to have some form of dialogue, says Ann Linde.

Concerns about refugee wave

She emphasizes that, among other things, they want a dialogue about evacuations of, for example, human rights activists and local staff, as well as about humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan.

Much of the discussion was also about how the EU should avoid a wave of refugees to the member states, similar to the situation that arose in 2015.

- Many countries were very worried about this, at the same time as they are worried about what is happening in Afghanistan.

Five conditions

The EU has presented five different conditions that must be met for a future relationship between Brussels and Kabul to work.

The first point is about the fight against terrorism.

"We will assess their behavior in accordance with how the Afghan government is living up to the commitment not to allow Afghanistan to become a base for the export of terrorism," Josep Borrell said after Friday morning's talks with EU foreign ministers.

Point two is about human rights.

"Especially women's rights, the rule of law and media freedom," says Borrell.

Free travel?

The other points are to create an inclusive transitional government, to provide free access to humanitarian aid and, finally, to fulfill the commitment to allow both foreign and Afghan citizens to leave the country, if they so wish.

- Someone might say that the Taliban will not fulfill this.

But we'll see.

Our commitment will be determined by this, states Borrell in Brdo.

A possible EU presence in Kabul will depend on the security situation. At the same time, Borrell promises continued close cooperation in the future between the EU and the US, the G7, G20 and other international organizations on Afghanistan.