EU Hosts Closed-Door Talks with Afghan Taliban Delegation
A delegation from the Afghan Taliban met with European Union officials in Brussels on Tuesday for closed-door discussions focused on consular services and the potential return of Afghans from Europe.
The meeting, described by a Taliban spokesperson as the first of its kind at the EU level, did not take place at official EU or Belgian government sites and does not signify recognition of the Taliban government by the EU.
Meeting Details
The talks were co-chaired by the European Commission and Sweden, with representatives from 15 EU member states participating. The Taliban delegation was led by Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Taliban Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Taliban delegates were issued visas limited to 24 hours in Belgium and were restricted from traveling to other Schengen zone countries.
According to statements from participants, the discussions covered:
- Consular services for Afghans in the EU
- Trust-building measures
- A "dignified return process" for Afghans being deported
Official Positions
European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert characterized the talks as "technical-level contacts" and stated that the meeting does not imply recognition of the Taliban. Lammert added that the meeting was in response to a request from 20 EU member states calling for stronger migration policies and increased deportations.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot stated that Belgium does not recognize the Taliban but complied with an EU request to grant visas for the delegation. He added that hosting the meeting "does not amount to recognition, does not amount to legitimacy, and does not constitute an invitation by the Belgian government."
"This meeting does not amount to recognition, does not amount to legitimacy, and does not constitute an invitation by the Belgian government."
— Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot
Background
The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces. No EU member state recognizes the Taliban government. The first meeting between the two sides occurred in January 2024, when the European Commission sent a mission to Kabul.
EU member states have been seeking to deport Afghans whose asylum claims are rejected or who have committed crimes. In October 2024, 20 member states signed a letter calling for stronger migration policies, including increased deportations.
According to Belgian Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt, only 2% of the 22,870 Afghans ordered to leave the EU have done so.
Regional Context
Afghanistan has received approximately 3 million returnees from Pakistan and Iran in the past year, according to reports from EU and Belgian officials. The country continues to face food shortages and economic challenges, with the Taliban government seeking humanitarian aid and reduced international isolation.
Reactions
Human Rights Watch researcher Fereshta Abbasi stated that engagement with the Taliban should prioritize human rights rather than deportations.
Amnesty International's Eve Geddie described deportations to Afghanistan as "unconscionable," citing worsening conditions in the country.
Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai expressed that Europe should not legitimize a regime she described as responsible for a major human rights crisis.
"Europe should not legitimize a regime responsible for a major human rights crisis."
— Malala Yousafzai, Nobel laureate
Rights Context
The Taliban government has imposed severe restrictions on women and girls, including:
- Bans on education beyond primary school
- Limitations on employment
- Restrictions on public appearance
These conditions have drawn widespread international condemnation and continue to shape the debate over engagement with the Taliban authorities.