EU backs helping Afghanistan’s neighbors cope with refugees

By SAMUEL PETREQUIN and MIKE CORDER
Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union justice and home affairs ministers have pledged to support Afghanistan’s neighbors to help them host people fleeing the new Taliban regime and prevent a new wave of migrants heading to Europe. In a closing statement after a meeting Tuesday in Brussels, the ministers said the EU and its 27 nations “stand determined to act jointly to prevent the recurrence of uncontrolled large-scale illegal migration movements faced in the past, by preparing a coordinated and orderly response.” European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson said “the best way to prevent a migratory crisis is to prevent a humanitarian crisis.” The EU is looking for ways to prevent a repeat of a 2015 refugee crisis fueled by Syria’s civil war.