EU holds first talks with Taliban in Brussels to accelerate deportations, triggering political backlash

A historic meeting in Brussels

On Tuesday, the European Commission and representatives from 15 EU member states held a closed-door meeting with a Taliban delegation in Brussels. It was the first time Taliban officials had set foot on EU soil since the group retook power in Afghanistan in 2021. The talks, described by the Commission as "strictly technical," focused on ways to accelerate the deportation of Afghan nationals who have committed crimes in Europe or are considered security threats.

“It is not about concessions, not about concessions at all. It is simply operational talks about how we can send back criminals.”

The meeting took place at the request of 20 member states that, in October 2025, had asked the Commission to explore forced returns to Afghanistan. Spain did not sign that letter and was not present at the Brussels talks.

Germany's parallel deal

Germany has already moved ahead with its own bilateral arrangement. Berlin reached an agreement with the Taliban to facilitate deportations of convicted Afghan offenders, planning up to three charter flights per month. The deal includes allowing up to four Taliban consular officials into Germany to verify identities and issue travel documents. The most recent collective deportation, carried out last week, saw 32 Afghan men flown out of Leipzig.

Political backlash in Brussels

The secrecy surrounding the meeting has triggered a political crisis within EU institutions. MEP Raquel García Hermida-Van der Walle, who chairs the parliament's delegation for relations with Afghanistan, announced she would submit urgent parliamentary questions on Thursday, demanding clarity on what was discussed and whether any concessions were made.

“Obviously, the Taliban did not come to Brussels to have a couple of coffees and teas in a hotel near Zaventem airport; they came with a list of demands.”

Human rights organizations and left-wing parties have accused the EU of legitimizing a regime that systematically excludes women from public life. Belgium, which issued only 24-hour visas for the Taliban delegates, opposed the meeting, with Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot voicing criticism. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, had previously warned of "serious risks" for returnees.

Taliban's version of events

The Taliban delegation, led by foreign ministry spokesperson Abdulqahar Balji, claimed the discussions went beyond deportations. In a statement, Balji said the talks covered the resumption of consular services for Afghans living in Europe, confidence-building measures, and solutions for Afghans whose asylum applications have been rejected.

“We hope this visit opens new avenues for positive interaction, strengthens the process of solving the problems of Afghans living abroad, and further expands the climate of cooperation based on mutual respect and common interests.”

The EU has not officially recognized the Taliban regime, and Commissioner Brunner insisted that no diplomatic recognition was granted. However, the Taliban's framing of the meeting as a step toward normalizing relations has fueled concerns among MEPs and civil society.

A divided Europe

The episode exposes divisions within the EU over migration policy. While Germany and Sweden have pushed for practical channels of communication with Kabul, France has led opposition to any engagement that might legitimize the Taliban. The Commission, meanwhile, is reinforcing its broader migration control agenda, including a strengthened mandate for Europol to combat illegal immigration.