EU opens direct channel on migration as rights groups warn against engagement with Taliban authorities
A Taliban delegation is expected to arrive in Brussels on Tuesday after Belgium issued one-day visas for talks with European Union officials on the return of failed Afghan asylum seekers.
The European Commission invited the Taliban officials as part of a broader effort to curb irregular migration and increase deportations, even though the EU does not formally recognise the Taliban administration in Kabul. Belgian authorities approved five visas on Monday after carrying out security checks, according to a spokesperson for the foreign minister. The visas are valid only for Belgium and only for one day.
Although Belgium did not confirm the delegation’s arrival date for security reasons, several sources and Afghan media reports indicated that the meeting is set for Tuesday in Brussels.
Migration push drives EU outreach despite lack of formal recognition
The talks reflect growing pressure across Europe to tighten migration policies as public opinion hardens and far-right parties continue to gain ground. EU migration chief Magnus Brunner recently defended the outreach, saying Brussels has no alternative but to engage with Taliban authorities if it wants to organise returns to Afghanistan.
According to EU data, member states received around one million asylum applications from Afghans between 2013 and 2024, while roughly half were approved. Last year, about 20 of the bloc’s 27 member states expressed support for returning some Afghan nationals, particularly those convicted of serious crimes or considered security threats.
Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert said the focus remains on individuals who no longer have a legal right to stay and who may pose risks to public safety.
Rights groups warn deportations to Afghanistan raise legal and moral concerns
Human rights organisations have strongly criticised the planned meeting, arguing that cooperation with Taliban officials undermines European values and risks legitimising an abusive regime. Critics also warn that deporting Afghans to a country facing humanitarian collapse, hunger and economic hardship could violate both legal and ethical obligations.
While Brussels insists the talks do not amount to recognising the Taliban government, the meeting highlights the increasingly difficult balance between migration enforcement and human rights commitments across Europe.
