The European Union does not recognize the Taliban and any change in relations with the group depends on significant progress in human rights and women's rights, said Hanna Verkonen, deputy director general of the European Commission.
In a speech to the European Parliament, Hanna Verkonnen said that the EU had kept its official representation in Kabul to closely monitor the situation in Afghanistan. He added that the presence of the European Union in Kabul does not mean support or recognition of the Taliban, but it is intended to conduct a dialogue with different parts of the Afghan society and receive their opinions, especially women.