New strategy for Afghanistan

Following the discussion by development ministers of 9 December 2010 on the EU-Afghanistan strategy, the Council exchanged views on the political situation in Afghanistan after the elections.

It underlined the EU's commitment and the need for long-term engagement, expressing appreciation for the work of EU Special Representative Vygaudas Ušackas.

It looked at the specific areas where the EU can apply its strengths:

• justice sector,
• human and notably women's rights,
• civil service reform;
• electoral reform;
• police reform - with EUPOL Afghanistan playing an important role - as the main priorities.