A delegation from the Afghan Taliban is meeting with European Union officials in Brussels for closed-door talks, reportedly focusing on the issue of deportations. The meeting marks a rare engagement between the bloc and the Taliban government, which none of the 27 EU nations officially recognize.
Afghans constitute one of the largest groups seeking asylum within the EU. A growing number of member states are seeking to expedite and increase deportations for individuals whose asylum claims are denied or who have committed offenses in their host countries. According to a Taliban official who spoke anonymously, the delegation includes Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a spokesperson for the Taliban’s foreign ministry.
The meeting comes amid pressure from a majority of EU nations, with 20 signing a letter in October urging stronger migration policies and increased deportations. A European Commission spokesperson confirmed that member states requested the Commission coordinate technical contacts on returns, specifically for individuals who have committed serious crimes or pose a security threat. The Commission has stated that this engagement does not signify recognition of the Taliban regime.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot acknowledged that while Belgium does not recognize the Taliban, it granted visas to the delegation as part of its host-state policy for international organizations. He clarified that facilitating the meeting does not confer legitimacy on the regime, which is accused of serious human rights violations. The Taliban delegates were issued visas with limited territorial validity, allowing them only 24 hours in Belgium without access to the Schengen border-free travel zone. The talks are not being held on official EU or Belgian government premises.
Human rights organizations have criticized the engagement. Fereshta Abbasi, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, stated that any interaction with the Taliban should prioritize human rights and accountability, not forced deportations to a country where individuals could face danger. She argued that EU countries undermine their credibility by condemning Taliban abuses while simultaneously cooperating on deportations.
Since the Taliban seized power in 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces, they have imposed significant restrictions on rights, particularly for women and girls. These include bans on education beyond primary school, limitations on employment, and strict dress codes. Amnesty International’s European Institutions Office Director, Eve Geddie, called it "unconscionable" for the EU to consider deporting people to Afghanistan, which she described as having become more dangerous.
The EU has recently enacted significant reforms to its migration rules aimed at increasing deportations. These reforms include provisions for "return hubs," enhanced surveillance, stricter border controls, and engagement with governments that the EU does not officially recognize due to human rights concerns.
Afghanistan is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the return of approximately 3 million Afghans from Pakistan and Iran, many of whom were forcibly repatriated. The Taliban government, grappling with food shortages and economic collapse, is reportedly seeking humanitarian aid and aiming to alleviate its international isolation.