EU Hosts Taliban for Afghan Return Talks

The European Union is hosting Taliban officials in Brussels for talks on the return of rejected Afghan asylum seekers, as European governments intensify efforts to curb irregular migration.

The discussions follow Belgium's approval of one-day visas for a Taliban delegation and are expected to focus on coordinating the return of Afghans who have no legal right to remain in Europe, particularly individuals convicted of serious crimes or deemed security risks.

The talks mark a significant step in the EU's engagement with the Taliban administration, despite the bloc's refusal to formally recognize the group since it returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.

The initiative comes amid growing political pressure across Europe for stricter migration policies. According to EU data, member states received around one million asylum applications from Afghans between 2013 and 2024, with roughly half approved.

Human rights organizations have criticized the move, warning that cooperation on deportations could undermine European efforts to hold the Taliban accountable for human rights abuses, particularly restrictions on women and girls.

EU officials defended the talks as a practical necessity, arguing that engagement with Taliban authorities is essential to manage migration and coordinate the return of individuals ordered to leave the bloc.

Germany is among the countries pushing to expand deportations to Afghanistan, focusing on serious offenders and security threats.