The EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, has said the bloc will seek dialogue with the Taliban in Afghanistan – but won't formally recognise its leadership of the conflict-ravaged country.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, following an emergency meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers, Borrell said: "We have to get in touch with the authorities in Kabul, the authorities in Kabul whatever they are. The Taliban have won the war so we have to talk with them in order to engage in a dialogue."

Borrell stressed there would be strict conditions on such dialogue, which would depend on the Taliban respecting international law and fundamental rights, including the rights of women and girls.  
 

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Efforts by the Taliban to project a new image to the international community during a press conference on Tuesday was met with skepticism in EU quarters. Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the Taliban would need to make good on its word: "We will measure the Taliban by their actions." 

He added: "Anyone can make all sorts of statements and what is important is that this transition is peaceful and it will all depend on what the interim government does as soon as they take power and what measures they take and if the statements being made at the moment are then plausible." 

EU foreign affairs ministers had met for talks in light of the Taliban's rapid takeover in Afghanistan, the speed of which had not been anticipated in the U.S. or in European nations.  

Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg described events as a "tragedy … a military and political collapse at a speed which had not been anticipated."

In comments that echoed those made on Monday by U.S. President Joe Biden, Stoltenberg placed the blame at the feet of Afghanistan's political leadership which, he said, had failed to stand up to the Taliban and achieve the stability Afghan people desperately needed.

Stoltenberg stopped short of describing Nato's long involvement in Afghanistan as a failure, but said lessons would be learnt. The Western alliance, he said, had faced a "clear-eyed choice" on whether to completely withdraw from the country, or increase troop numbers and resume its combat operations.

Amid fears that hardline Islamic rule in Afghanistan could lead to an exodus of millions of people, EU capitals will hold talks designed to prevent what Borrell described as a "humanitarian and potential migratory disaster, but also a humanitarian crisis."

France's President Emmanuel Macron said his country will continue in its duty to "protect those in the greatest danger," but urged EU nations to work together to prevent "large, irregular migratory flows."