EU set to take a new line on Afghanistan

The foreign ministers of the EU's 27 member states are to adopt a new strategy on Afghanistan and Pakistan when they meet in Luxembourg next Tuesday (27 October). 

The strategy aims to make the various strands of the EU's civilian engagement more coherent and ensure that they complement member states' military operations in Afghanistan. EU leaders are to endorse the strategy at their summit later next week (29-30 October).

The strategy focuses on building effective government structures and on the rule of law. Both issues came into relief following a presidential election in August that was marred by fraud and irregularities.

On Monday (19 October), it became clear that incumbent Hamid Karzai had missed the 50% necessary for a first-round victory after disputed votes were thrown out by a United Nations-backed complaints panel. Under the country's electoral code, this requires a second round to be held – a costly and potentially destabilising exercise just as winter is approaching.

Following failed talks on constitutional reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina earlier this week (20-21 October), the foreign ministers will also need to decide whether to support closing the Office of the High Representative (OHR), the top international body in Bosnia

In mid-November, the OHR's international steering board will discuss the timing of a transition to an EU Special Representative (EUSR). Sweden, the current holder of the EU's rotating presidency, is in favour of a transition in the coming months, while others – including the UK – believe this to be premature in the face of a secessionist threat from the Bosnian Serbs.

Uzbek arms embargo

The foreign ministers are all but certain to lift an arms embargo against Uzbekistan. Extending the ban on arms sales would require unanimity and diplomats expect that Germany – which maintains a military base in Uzbekistan – will oppose prolongation of a measure that was introduced after security forces killed several hundred demonstrators in the town of Andijan in 2005.

The foreign ministers are also expected to suspend trade preferences granted to Sri Lanka. A Commission review of the human rights situation following the crushing defeat of Tamil rebels earlier this year found “significant shortcomings” and determined that the government was in breach of commitments under the trade scheme, which grants preferential market access to 16 developing countries. If preferences are suspended, Sri Lankan exporters to the EU, mainly in the textile sector, will face tens of millions of euros in additional duties.