EU hosts Taliban representatives for first time in Brussels
A Taliban delegation met with EU officials in Brussels on Tuesday for closed talks focusing on consular services and the 'dignified return' of Afghans to Afghanistan. Human rights groups condemned the meeting, saying it undermines the EU's human rights commitments.
On Tuesday, June 23, a delegation from Afghanistan's Taliban movement held their first direct talks with European Union officials in Brussels. The closed-door discussions centered on consular services for Afghan citizens in the EU and arrangements for their 'dignified return' to Afghanistan. Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a spokesman for the Taliban's foreign ministry who led the five-member delegation, described the visit as historic, noting it was the first time representatives of the Islamic Emirate had traveled to the EU and engaged with member states in Brussels.
Balkhi said the talks covered confidence-building measures, consular presence, and the return process. The exact location of the meeting was not disclosed. Belgium issued five visas to the Taliban officials for the visit.
The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021 amid the chaotic withdrawal of US-led forces. Since then, the regime has imposed severe restrictions, particularly on women and girls. Human rights advocates strongly criticized the EU's decision to engage. 'Any interaction with the Taliban must prioritize human rights protection and accountability – not deporting people into danger,' said Fereshta Abbasi, a researcher at Human Rights Watch.
On May 12, the European Commission first confirmed plans for the Brussels talks with the Taliban government. Afghans currently constitute one of the largest groups of asylum seekers in the EU, and an increasing number of member states are pushing to accelerate deportations of those whose claims have been rejected or who have committed crimes in host countries.
