Tomas Niklasson resigns as EU’s special envoy for Afghanistan

Tomas Niklasson, the European Union’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, has officially ended his mission after almost four years. 

In a post on X on Sunday night, Niklasson said his departure does not signify a shift in the European Union’s policy toward Afghanistan.

“The EU maintains its presence in the country, a commitment to the people of Afghanistan while protecting EU interests and values, and engages with Afghanistan and partners based on Council Conclusions,” he said.

Niklasson said his responsibilities have temporarily been handed over to Deren Derya, Head of the Afghanistan and Pakistan Division at the European External Action Service (EEAS).

The special envoy was appointed in June 2021, during the final months of the former Afghanistan government. 

Two months after taking over as special envoy, the former government collapsed. He has since focused on overseeing humanitarian assistance, engaging in regional diplomacy, and advocating for human rights – particularly those of women and vulnerable groups. 

He also worked with international organizations to ensure the continued delivery of aid.