Taliban representatives held their first official meeting with European Union officials in Brussels on Wednesday, in a closed-door discussion focused partly on the possible return of Afghan migrants from Europe to Afghanistan. The meeting, held outside official EU institutions at an undisclosed location, was led by Taliban Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi and drew sharp criticism from human rights groups, lawmakers, and some EU member states.
EU officials described the talks as “technical,” centered on consular services and what they called the “dignified return” of Afghans to their country. According to the EU, representatives from 15 of the 27 member states took part. The talks also covered consular access for Afghans in Europe and the possibility of some form of diplomatic presence from Afghanistan. The Taliban called the meeting “historic” and said it was part of efforts to build trust.
The EU said the discussion was aimed mainly at easing the removal of Afghans who have no right to remain in Europe, including people considered security threats or convicted criminals. Since 2013, Afghans have submitted about 1 million asylum applications in the EU, and roughly half were approved. Officials and politicians noted that only a very small share of those ordered to leave are actually returned to Afghanistan.
The meeting came amid growing pressure inside Europe to tighten migration enforcement and speed up deportations. Critics said any cooperation with the Taliban risks legitimizing a regime accused of severe abuses, especially against women and girls, and warned of a “creeping normalization” of Taliban rule. Malala Yousafzai said she was “shocked and concerned” that the EU is engaging with the Taliban, while MEPs called the move a “red line” and a blow to the EU’s credibility. The EU insists the talks do not amount to recognition of the Taliban, but the gathering in Brussels was still seen as a major diplomatic shift since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.
