EU Member States Agree to Take In 40,000 Afghans

A group of 15 EU member states have agreed to take in 40,000 Afghans for resettlement, Commissioner Ylva Johansson said on Thursday after meeting interior ministers.

Germany will accept the bulk of the new arrivals, with 25,000, with the Netherlands accepting 3,159, Spain and France 2,500, and other countries lower numbers, according to a document seen by AFP.

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The UN High Commissioner for Refugees had previously urged the bloc to accept 42,500 Afghans over five years, but some of the 27 member countries had resisted.

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During the aftermath of the chaotic US military withdrawal and the return of the Taliban regime, in August, 24 EU states have already taken in 28,000 evacuees.

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The 40,000 Afghans are part of a larger 60,000 package of resettlements and humanitarian admissions pledged by member states, according to the document seen by AFP.

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