EU receives Taliban delegation in Brussels for first time to advance forced returns of Afghan migrants

A controversial first

For the first time since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, a five-member Taliban delegation arrived in Brussels on Tuesday to meet with European Commission officials and representatives of 15 EU member states. The talks, described by Brussels as a "technical exchange," aimed to advance practical arrangements for the forced return of Afghan nationals who pose security threats or have committed serious crimes. The meeting marks a sharp pivot in European migration policy, driven by pressure from a bloc of member states seeking to increase deportations.

Behind the technical curtain

The discussion, which Afghan foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said also touched on re-establishing consular services and "the need for measures to build trust," was held outside official EU buildings, reportedly in a hotel. Although the Commission insists it does not recognise the Taliban administration, EU migration chief Magnus Brunner defended the outreach last month.

Brussels had no other option than to talk to the Taliban government about returning irregular migrants from Afghanistan.

Belgium's Asylum and Migration minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt confirmed the country's participation in the "administrative and technical" meeting, which follows a January announcement by her office after EU and Belgian officials had visited Afghanistan.

Rights groups sound alarm

The gathering drew swift condemnation from leading human rights organisations. Amnesty International called the visit "unacceptable and disappointing," while Human Rights Watch argued the EU was compromising its own standards.

EU countries are undermining their credibility by condemning Taliban abuses and pursuing accountability on one hand, while cooperating with the Taliban to forcibly return Afghans on the other.

The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) went further, urging the arrest of the delegation upon arrival, pointing to ICC warrants against senior Taliban officials for crimes against humanity and gender-based persecution.

A one-day window

Belgium issued five visas on Monday after its security services found no indication the individuals posed a threat to the country. The visas were strictly limited to one day and to Belgian territory, not the wider Schengen area, and the delegation reportedly flew in via Turkey. Foreign minister Maxime Prévot expressed disapproval of the invitation but acknowledged that as host state, Belgium could not refuse the visa request.

The wider migration shift

The Brussels meeting is part of a broader overhaul of EU migration policy, with 20 member states having urged the Commission last October to explore forced returns to Afghanistan. It comes as the EU also moves toward creating offshore deportation hubs, a further break with past practice.