The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The European Union is expected to host Taliban officials in Brussels in the coming weeks for talks on deporting Afghan nationals from the bloc, sources told AFP.
The visit, which is being coordinated by the European
Commission and several member states, is expected to involve a “technical”
Taliban delegation, according to diplomatic sources.
European officials are gathering information on flight
arrangements and capacity at Kabul International Airport, while also discussing
with the Taliban what would happen to individuals returned to Afghanistan, a
source involved in the discussions said.
The talks follow two earlier visits by European officials to
Afghanistan for what were described as exploratory discussions on the issue. An
official invitation to the Taliban has not yet been sent.
Efforts to increase deportations have gained momentum across
the 27-nation bloc, as shifting public opinion on migration has contributed to
electoral gains by right-wing parties in several EU countries.
Around 20 EU member states are exploring ways to return
Afghan nationals, particularly those convicted of crimes. Germany has already
deported more than 100 Afghans since 2024 through charter flights facilitated
by Qatar, while Austria has taken similar steps.
However, the deportation plans have raised concerns among
rights groups and the United Nations refugee agency, citing Afghanistan’s
ongoing humanitarian crisis, worsened by drought and cuts in foreign aid.
The EU does not formally recognize the Taliban, who returned
to power in 2021 and imposed their interpretation of Islamic law.
According to available data, EU countries received about one
million asylum applications from Afghans between 2013 and 2024, with Afghans
representing the largest group of applicants last year.
