Today the European Union will mark 60 years since the signature of the Rome Treaties. Since then the citizens of our Member States have enjoyed six decades of unprecedented peace, prosperity and security. The contrast to the first half of the 20^th Century could not be greater. Two catastrophic wars in Europe between 1914 and 1945 left millions dead, and a continent devastated, divided and prostrate. European integration has been the most successful peace project in our history.

The European Union has been engaged in Afghanistan for decades and the European Union and its Member States are the largest donors in Afghanistan. Coming out of the very successful Brussels Conference on Afghanistan in October 2016 we will continue to be so until 2020.

Over the last 60 years Europe has proved that there is an alternative to war. This is also the case here in Afghanistan. Looking into the history of Europe there are many examples of old enemies coming together and agreeing on peace and reconciliation. The same can happen in Afghanistan and we must all work towards achieving peace here. It is our hopes that the European project can serve as inspiration for all Afghans. The EU will make peace the number one goal for our work in the coming years

The world is going through a time of great uncertainty: the global balance of power is shifting and the foundations of a rules-based international order are too often being questioned. The European Union will be an increasingly vital power to preserve and strengthen the global order. The European Union is and will continue to be a strong, cooperative and reliable power. Our partners know what we stand for.

Whatever events may bring in the future, one thing is certain: the EU will continue to put promoting international peace and security, development cooperation, human rights and responding to humanitarian crises at the heart of its foreign and security policies. The EU will remain a strong and committed supporter of the Afghan people. Let’s all make peace in Afghanistan our joint priority. Peace is possible.

View expressed in this article are of the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Pajhwok’s editorial policy.

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