COUNCIL OF
THE EUROPEAN UNION
Council Conclusions for enhanced EU engagement in Afghanistan and Pakistan

2950th GENERAL AFFAIRS Council meeting

Luxembourg, 15 June 2009

The Council adopted the following conclusions:
"The Council reiterates the EU’s strong engagement in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It welcomes the
ongoing work, urges rapid delivery on existing priorities and reconfirms its long-term commitment
to working with the people and governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan, and to further strengthen
and improve the EU’s efforts and contribution to the stability, reconstruction and development of
the countries.
To this end, the Council invites the SG/HR and the Commission to look at how to further enhance
and improve the EU’s engagement in Afghanistan, building on existing policies and activities, and
report to the Council by October 2009 with further concrete recommendations, policy priorities and
a strategy for EU engagement. This work should prepare the EU for co-operation with the incoming
government. The Council invites Member States to contribute to this task with the aim of enhancing
and consolidating the EU’s approach to Afghanistan. Areas where the EC’s and Member States’
actions and resources can be further aligned, should be identified. In this regard, the Council recalls
the importance it attaches to working towards a single EU representation in order to enhance the
EU's coherence and visibility in Afghanistan.
As for Pakistan, the Council acknowledges the country's strategic importance for stability in the
region. With a view to forging a stronger EU-Pakistan partnership, the Council invites the SG/HR
and the Commission to follow up on outcome of the planned ad hoc summit, and report back to the
Council on progress and with recommendations for further action by October 2009. The Council
also invites the Member States to contribute to this task with the aim of enhancing and
consolidating the EU’s approach to the Pakistan, including with concrete recommendations, policy
priorities and a strategy for EU engagement."