European Commission Hosts Taliban Representatives in Brussels for Repatriation Talks
The European Commission invited a Taliban delegation to Brussels in May to discuss repatriation of Afghan nationals convicted of serious crimes or posing a security threat. The technical talks do not imply political recognition of the Taliban regime.
The European Commission (EC) hosted Taliban representatives in Brussels in May to discuss the repatriation of Afghan citizens who have committed serious crimes or pose a security threat. The talks were held at a technical level following a request from 20 European Union (EU) member states for support in deporting such individuals. Officials from 15 member states also participated in the meeting.
The EC stressed that these discussions do not constitute political recognition of the Taliban regime, which is still not considered a legitimate government of Afghanistan. Despite objections from Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, Belgium issued five one-day visas for the Taliban delegation.
Countries that pushed for the talks, including Germany, Sweden, and Italy, noted that in 2024 only 2% of Afghans with deportation orders were actually removed from the EU.
