The EU in Afghanistan: What Role after NATO’s Withdrawal?

Abstract:

As we approach 2014, there is much discussion about the nature and impact of NATO’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, and rightly so. The country will present a variety of security challenges after the withdrawal, and it is not clear that Afghan security forces will be capable of meeting them.

Without adequate security, Western investments in Afghanistan over the last decade will be threatened and the potential for future advancements diminished. For this reason it is important to recognize that, in addition to the NATO mission, there is also a need to consider the EU’s engagement following the 2014 withdrawal, because that undertaking will likely confront new challenges that NATO forces have thus far held at bay.