The European Commission has announced a new aid package of 146 million euros for Afghanistan.
According to a statement from the European Commission, this financial package is allocated to provide essential services, particularly in healthcare, education, and food security, with a focus on supporting the rights of women and girls.
The statement also said that the Commissioner for International Partnerships of the European Commission has signed three additional programs to support livelihoods and access to healthcare services for the people of Afghanistan. These include €15 million for the UN Development Programme (UNDP), €16 million for the World Health Organization (WHO), and €15 million for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The Ministry of Economy welcomed the announcement of this aid and stressed the continuation of international assistance to Afghanistan.
Abdul Latif Nazari, deputy minister of Economy, told TOLOnews: “We welcome the European Commission’s aid. Our request from the international community and relief organizations is to assist in the development of Afghanistan’s infrastructure so that we can eradicate poverty structurally.”
Several economic experts said that to maximize the long-term impact of aid, it is necessary to invest in infrastructure projects and create employment opportunities for the citizens of the country.
“Access to quality healthcare, education, and food security can have a direct impact on the economic growth and development of countries. From this perspective, allocating aid to these sectors can have a positive impact on the country’s economic growth and development,” said Mir Shakeb Mir, an economic expert.
“To better manage the economic situation of the people of Afghanistan, it is necessary to request assistance from these countries for the implementation of major economic infrastructure projects as in the past, so that we can build the infrastructure and create sustainable jobs and income for the people of Afghanistan,” said Darya Khan Bahir, another economic expert.
This comes as the European Union has allocated €903 million for basic needs and livelihoods in Afghanistan since 2021.