Germany expects the EU to adopt its 18th sanctions package this week.

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.

Twenty-five years ago, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1325, which recognised what women around the world had long demonstrated through their actions: that peace cannot be built without them, and that gender justice is essential for true security. Resolution 1325 recognised that women must be included in peace processes, and that conflict affects women and girls differently. Over the years, the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda has produced an extensive body of rhetoric: national action plans, reporting frameworks, new Security Council resolutions and regular open debates.