European Commission officials and representatives from 15 member states discreetly met with a Taliban delegation in Brussels to expedite the deportation of Afghan migrants. The venue and meeting details remained undisclosed, drawing criticism from progressive lawmakers and civil society for engaging with a regime known for human rights violations.
Swedish Migration Minister Johan Forssell emphasized the urgency of deporting Afghan nationals convicted of serious crimes, highlighting that around 200 individuals in Sweden alone await deportation. The discussions focused on the return of Afghans deemed security threats.
Despite a low repatriation success rate-only 2% of Afghan deportation orders executed in 2025-EU efforts to negotiate with the Taliban have intensified under pressure from member states. Notably, a prior visit by a Commission delegation to Kabul set the stage for this meeting.
Critics within the European Parliament warned that outreach to the Taliban risks legitimizing a regime notorious for gender-based oppression and human rights violations, as shown by Afghanistan's low ranking in the Rule of Law Index. Recent resolutions urge non-recognition of the Taliban, stressing an unwavering stance against normalizing relations with such governments.
As deportation efforts continue, thousands of Afghans are expected to seek asylum in the EU, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by the bloc in managing migration from Afghanistan.