The European Union commits an Additional €14 Million to Strengthen Community Resilience and Support for Women and Girls in Afghanistan

Kabul, Afghanistan - The EU announced an additional €14 million in support to the people of Afghanistan, boosting its partnership with the United Nations. This new funding will expand the Afghanistan Community Resilience Programme (ACRP), which is implemented by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) will now also join the program. In addition, the EU's partnership with UN Women will be further reinforced.

Afghanistan Community Resilience Programme (ACRP)

With a further €6 million committed, the EU's total support for the ACRP now reaches €21 million. This significant investment comes at a time of foreign aid cuts amidst multiple intersecting crises including the worsening drought and floods, the dramatic earthquake of 31 August 2025, and the return of more than 1.7 million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan already this year, many forcibly.

"This additional contribution by the European Union comes at a critical time when Afghan communities struggle with climate hazards and dramatically eroding natural resources. Climate change is among the most important drivers of displacement for today and tomorrow's generations. The EU also supports efforts on counternarcotic in Afghanistan through its engagement in the Doha Process, while also helping farmers in successfully shifting to alternative livelihoods," says Veronika Boskovic Pohar, EU Chargée d'Affaires.

Launched in 2024 jointly by UNDP, FAO, and IOM, the ACRP was designed to strengthen climate resilience and promote sustainable alternative livelihoods in vulnerable rural communities in the historically highest poppy cultivating provinces of Helmand and Kandahar. The top-up allows for an extension of the programme for a third year, with an expansion of activities into Badghis, and support for UNODC-led opium surveys.

"The EU's contribution to ACRP is not only a financial investment; it is a powerful message of solidarity and partnership between EU and UN System. This is another example of our shared commitment to standing with Afghan communities in building resilience, reducing dependency on illicit economies and adapting to the realities of climate change", says UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Stephen Rodriques, on behalf of UNDP, FAO, IOM, and UNODC.

Supporting Afghan women and girls

The new funding of €8 million brings the EU's total commitment to €23 million over three and a half years, providing protection and life-saving services to women and girls.

Since March 2023, UN Women has been investing in grassroots women's civil society organizations throughout Afghanistan, enabling them to provide critical services such as protection, psychosocial support, and livelihood opportunities, often through community-based women-only centres. Additionally, UN Women actively engages men and boys in these communities to ensure collective ownership and support for women's initiatives. Furthermore, together the EU and UN Women invest in amplifying voices of Afghan women by enhancing data and research efforts. This partnership equips all decision-makers with the necessary evidence to design effective, gender-responsive policies and programs.

Veronika Boskovic Pohar, EU Chargée d'Affaires states "The EU is proud to reinforce its partnership with UN Women. This new funding is a testament to our steadfast commitment to the women and girls of Afghanistan, who are the bedrock of their communities. Our support is designed to empower them through data-driven programs, as we believe the full and equal participation of all citizens is the only path to a more prosperous future."

UN Women Afghanistan Special Representative Susan Ferguson welcomed the European Union's additional investment. "Women's civil society organizations are often one of the only lifelines left for Afghan women and girls to access the services they need in a safe and principled way," Ms Ferguson said. "It is more urgent than ever that we invest in their work and help them keep their doors open."

For media inquiries, please contact:

Press of Euroepan Union Delegation to Afghanistan

[email protected]

Matthew Duncan

Communications specialist, UNDP Afghanistan

Email: [email protected]