Afghan women’s rights continue to deteriorate while the European Union considers potential engagement with the Taliban, according to reports citing UN and aid officials. Both outlets describe how Afghanistan has received less international attention as focus shifts to other conflicts, particularly the war in the Middle East. Despite this reduced visibility, the situation inside Afghanistan is reported to be worsening rather than improving. Aid groups and UN officials say the emergency in Afghanistan persists and has, in their view, hardened over time. One report quotes Katharina Ritz, described as an outgoing official, saying there is a perception that Afghanistan is not in a crisis simply because it is out of the news cycle. The EU’s move is presented as a policy development that could shape future diplomatic engagement, but the reporting emphasizes that, regardless of external negotiations, conditions affecting women remain under severe pressure. Overall, the articles portray a continuing humanitarian and rights crisis alongside diplomatic discussions about whether and how to speak to Taliban authorities.