Taliban visa delay casts doubt on EU deportation talks in Brussels
The Taliban have not yet applied for Belgian visas for a planned June meeting with the European Commission in Brussels to discuss deportations of Afghans deemed security threats or without legal status. Belgian authorities confirm no visa requests have been received, and processing would take at least four weeks. The EU frames the talks as technical-level to avoid formal recognition. The visit has drawn criticism from MEPs and NGOs over legitimizing a regime accused of human rights abuses.
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Deportations to Afghanistan: Taliban Delegation Visits Brussels for Talks with EU Commission
A five-member Taliban delegation traveled to Brussels on June 23, 2026, for talks with the European Commission regarding the deportation of rejected Afghan asylum seekers who have committed serious crimes or represent a security risk. The visit, kept secret due to security and protest fears, was based on a letter from 20 EU states, including Germany, requesting EU support to improve the low two percent return rate. Belgium issued an exceptional 24-hour visa despite an entry ban on Taliban representatives. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot criticized the invitation, while Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt called it a 'necessary evil.' The EU Commission insisted these were 'technical talks' not implying political recognition of the Taliban regime. Human rights organizations and European Parliament members strongly condemned the move, arguing it prioritizes deportations over human rights protections in Afghanistan.
taz.de - taz.deTaliban meets with 15 EU states in Brussels to discuss deportations of Afghan nationals
On 23 June 2026, representatives from 15 European Union member states, co-chaired by Sweden and including Belgium and the Netherlands, met with Taliban officials in Brussels to discuss the deportation of Afghan nationals. The European Commission stated the primary focus was on returning Afghan criminals and security threats, though a senior EU official previously indicated non-criminal returnees and failed asylum seekers could also be included. The Commission declined to disclose details such as who funded the Taliban delegation's trip, the meeting venue, whether women were present, or what concessions the Taliban sought in exchange. The meeting follows earlier talks between an EU official and the Taliban in Kabul in January 2026.
EUobserverTaliban meets 15 EU states in Brussels to negotiate Afghan deportations
On 23 June 2026, representatives of the Taliban met with officials from 15 European Union member states in Brussels to discuss the repatriation of Afghan nationals, focusing initially on individuals with criminal records and those deemed security threats. The meeting, co-chaired by Sweden and with Belgium and the Netherlands present, also reportedly covered identification procedures, travel documents, and the potential return of failed asylum seekers. The European Commission refused to disclose details about who funded the Taliban's trip, the precise location, whether any women were present, or what concessions the Taliban sought in exchange for cooperation. The closed-door talks mark a significant diplomatic engagement between the Taliban and a bloc of EU countries, raising human rights and policy concerns.
EUobserverTaliban met with 15 EU states in Brussels to discuss deportations of Afghans
On 23 June 2026, representatives from 15 European Union member states met with the Taliban in Brussels to negotiate the deportation of Afghan nationals, primarily those with criminal records and considered security threats. The EU Commission, which co-chaired the meeting with Sweden, said discussions covered identification of returnees, travel documents, and logistics. However, the commission refused to disclose who funded the Taliban's trip, the exact location, whether women were present, or what the Taliban demanded in return. A senior EU official previously indicated that non-criminal Afghans with return orders may also be included. The lack of transparency has raised questions about the scope and conditions of the agreement.
EUobserverTaliban Holds Controversial Talks with EU in Brussels
Taliban representatives met with EU officials at an undisclosed location in Brussels to discuss the repatriation of Afghan nationals convicted of serious crimes or deemed security risks. The meeting follows a January visit by EU and Belgian officials to Kabul. The five-member Taliban delegation also sought a softening of diplomatic relations, urging the resumption of consular services across the EU to 'safeguard the consular rights of Afghans residing abroad.' Most Afghan embassies in Europe remain staffed by pre-Taliban diplomats, with Germany being the only EU country to have accepted Taliban-appointed diplomats. The article also covers the European Parliament's approval of a digital euro pilot, the Commission's €8.3 million investment in subsea cable protection hubs, and data showing a slower contraction in eurozone business activity.
EuractivTaliban Delegation Meets EU Officials in Brussels to Discuss Deportations and Diplomatic Ties
A controversial meeting between a five-member Taliban delegation and EU officials took place in Brussels at an undisclosed neutral location, with the European Commission citing security concerns. The primary agenda involved discussions on the return of Afghan nationals convicted of serious crimes or deemed security risks, following preparatory visits by EU and Belgian officials to Kabul in January. The Taliban also used the opportunity to push for a softening of diplomatic relations, calling for the resumption of consular services across the EU to safeguard Afghans' rights abroad. Most Afghan embassies in Europe remain staffed by pre-Taliban diplomats, with Germany being the only EU country to have accepted Taliban-appointed diplomats. The article also includes a roundup of other European news: the European Parliament endorsed the digital euro to reduce reliance on US payment systems; the EU will spend €8.3 million on regional hubs to monitor subsea cables amid suspected Russian sabotage; eurozone business activity contracted more slowly in April; EU fisheries ministers warned of losing influence in Mauritania via a non-renewed fisheries agreement; Hungary trimmed its SAFE funding request; and France and Italy are set to reaffirm defense ties despite strained relations between their leaders.
EuractivEU Hosts Taliban in Brussels for First-Time Talks on Deportations
A controversial meeting took place between representatives of the Taliban and the European Commission in Brussels on June 23, 2026, marking the first time the Islamist group has been received in the EU capital since seizing power in Afghanistan in 2021. The talks, described as technical-level and not implying recognition of the Taliban government, focused on coordinating the deportation of Afghan nationals who have committed crimes or pose security risks. The meeting was attended by officials from 15 EU member states, with support from 20 European countries including Germany. Activists and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern due to the Taliban's ongoing human rights violations, including the oppression of women and torture. Germany separately confirmed plans to bring up to four additional Taliban diplomats to expedite deportations, aiming for three deportation flights per month. Critics argue the engagement risks legitimizing the Taliban while failing to address severe human rights abuses.
Nachrichten - WELTTaliban delegation in Brussels pushes EU for consular services and deportation cooperation
A Taliban delegation led by foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi held landmark talks in Brussels on Tuesday, urging EU officials to restart consular services for Afghans across Europe. The visit marks the first-ever Taliban representation at EU headquarters, aiming to secure a larger diplomatic role. The talks, co-chaired by the European Commission and Sweden, focused on technical arrangements for the return and readmission of Afghan nationals convicted of serious crimes and deemed security threats. The EU emphasized the meeting was technical-level only, with no political participation, to avoid implying recognition of the Taliban government. The precise location was kept secret due to security concerns. The delegation received just one-day visas. The discussions follow earlier technical talks in Kabul in January 2026. The Taliban seeks to build 'positive momentum' to safeguard consular rights for Afghans abroad.
EuractivTaliban delegation presses EU for consular services in landmark Brussels visit
A Taliban delegation led by foreign ministry communications chief Abdul Qahar Balkhi conducted a landmark visit to Brussels on Tuesday to press EU officials to restart consular services for Afghans across Europe. The visit marks the first time a Taliban delegation has held talks with EU member states in Brussels. The discussions covered restarting broad-range consular services and arrangements for a 'dignified' return process for Afghans deported from the EU. The visit comes as the Taliban seek a larger diplomatic role in Europe, though most Afghan embassies remain staffed by pre-Taliban diplomats. Germany is the only European country to have accepted Taliban-appointed diplomats. EU attendance was limited to migration officials, with no politicians participating to avoid any perception of formal recognition of the Taliban government. The delegation received one-day visas for the talks, which were reportedly hosted at the invitation of the European Commission and some EU countries.
EuractivTaliban Delegation in Brussels Presses EU for Consular Services and Deportation Deal
A Taliban delegation led by Afghan foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi visited Brussels on Tuesday for landmark talks with EU officials. The primary goal was to push for restarting broad-range consular services for Afghans across European Union member states. The visit also addressed the 'dignified' return of Afghan nationals deported from the EU, particularly those convicted of serious crimes or deemed security threats. The talks, co-chaired by the European Commission and Sweden, involved 15 EU member states and focused on technical aspects such as identification of returnees and issuance of travel documents. The meeting follows a prior technical discussion in Kabul in January 2026. The exact location was kept secret due to security concerns, and no EU politicians participated to avoid implying formal recognition of the Taliban government. Germany remains the only European country to have accepted Taliban-appointed diplomats.
EuractivAfghan Taliban to hold rare closed-door talks with EU officials on deportations
A Taliban delegation is traveling to Brussels on June 23, 2026, for rare closed-door talks with European Union staff, focusing primarily on deportations, according to a Taliban official. Belgium issued 24-hour visas to the delegation, which includes Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a New Zealand-born spokesperson for the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry. Rights groups have criticized the meeting, arguing it undermines the EU's human rights obligations and could endanger people in Europe and Afghanistan. The talks mark a significant diplomatic engagement between the Taliban and the EU since the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.EU Invites Taliban Representatives to Brussels for Deportation Talks Amid Criticism from Greens and Human Rights Groups
The European Union has invited five representatives of the Taliban government to Brussels for technical talks on deporting rejected asylum seekers back to Afghanistan. Belgium issued one-day visas for the visit, which the European Commission insists is purely technical and does not imply recognition of the Taliban regime. The German Greens, led by co-leader Franziska Brantner and parliamentary group leader Britta Haßelmann, harshly criticized the move as a 'serious mistake,' citing the deteriorating human rights situation in Afghanistan, especially for women and girls. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International also condemned the talks, warning against deporting people into danger. This marks the first time since the Taliban's takeover in 2021 that its representatives have received EU visas. The EU aims to curb irregular migration and increase deportations of individuals deemed security risks.
Nachrichten - WELTBelgium issues visas to Taliban delegation for EU meeting on migrant deportations
Belgium has issued five limited-validity visas to a Taliban delegation to attend a European Union meeting in Brussels, marking the first time the EU has hosted the group since the Taliban returned to power five years ago. The meeting, described by the European Commission as technical and not constituting recognition of Taliban rule, will focus on the return and readmission of Afghan nationals without legal status in the EU. Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have strongly urged the EU to abandon the plan, warning that deporting people to Afghanistan puts them at risk in a country that has become more dangerous under Taliban rule, which has severely restricted women's rights and freedoms. The EU has not identified which Taliban representatives were invited, and several senior Taliban leaders remain under EU sanctions. Afghanistan is facing a deep humanitarian crisis with over 17 million people food insecure.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Taliban delegation to visit Brussels for technical talks on migration returns
A five-member Taliban delegation has secured Belgian visas and is expected to arrive in Brussels on Tuesday for a single-day visit to discuss technical cooperation on migration and returns. The Belgian State Security Service and military intelligence cleared the delegation after concluding they posed no threat. The visas are valid only for Belgium, not the wider Schengen area. The talks, hosted at a neutral venue rather than EU premises, will focus on practical mechanisms for identifying Afghan nationals subject to return and issuing travel documents. The European Commission's migration department has circulated a note asking EU capitals to designate contact points for engagement. EU officials stress the talks are strictly technical with no political representation, avoiding any perception of formal recognition of the Taliban government.
EuractivTaliban delegation arrives in Brussels for technical talks on deportations
A five-member Taliban delegation has secured one-day Belgian visas and is expected to arrive in Brussels on Tuesday for highly sensitive technical talks with EU and national officials. The visas, issued after security clearance by Belgian intelligence, are valid only for Belgium and not the broader Schengen zone. The discussions, hosted by the European Commission and Belgian authorities, will focus on establishing practical cooperation mechanisms for identifying and returning Afghan nationals convicted of crimes in Europe, including the issuance of travel documents. To avoid any perception of formal recognition of the Taliban government, the talks are strictly technical, with no political representation, and will be held at a neutral venue rather than on EU premises. The meeting, first reported by Euractiv in April, represents a significant step in European governments' efforts to engage with Afghanistan's de facto rulers on migration management and returns, while carefully avoiding diplomatic recognition.
EuractivTaliban Delegation to Visit Brussels for EU Talks on Deporting Afghans
The European Commission is preparing to host a Taliban delegation in Brussels within days for talks focused on deporting Afghan nationals from EU member states. Belgium's deputy prime minister confirmed that five visas were issued, valid for an extremely short period—reportedly less than a few days. The Commission has been courting the Taliban for months, with deputy home affairs head Johannes Luchner having traveled to Kabul in January. Luchner stated the primary goal is returning criminals but also suggested non-criminal Afghans with return orders could be deported. However, in a sign of political sensitivity, Beate Gminder, Luchner's superior, later told EUobserver in a document access request that the Commission has no records of Luchner ever meeting the Taliban or even visiting Afghanistan. The EU Commission refused to say whether its delegation would include female staffers, given Taliban tradition of male-only events.
EUobserverBelgium grants Taliban visas for EU talks on Afghan deportations
Belgian authorities have granted five one-day visas to a Taliban delegation, allowing them to attend meetings with European Commission officials in Brussels. The visas, approved after a security assessment by Belgium's State Security Service, are valid only for Belgium and their arrival date is withheld for security reasons. The EU Commission has been pursuing talks with the Taliban for months, focusing on deporting Afghan nationals, particularly criminals, but also non-criminal returnees. EU home affairs deputy Johannes Luchner visited Kabul in January for discussions. The Commission refused to comment on whether its delegation would include female staffers, as Taliban tradition mandates male-only events. The development highlights ongoing European efforts to facilitate deportations to Afghanistan despite political sensitivities and Taliban restrictions.
EUobserverBelgium Grants Taliban Visas for EU Talks on Afghan Deportations
Belgian authorities issued five visas to a Taliban delegation on June 22, 2026, to meet European Commission officials in Brussels for discussions on deporting Afghan nationals. The visas, valid for one day only and limited to Belgium, were approved after a security assessment by Belgium's State Security Service, which deemed the delegation non-threatening. The Commission has been pursuing talks with the Taliban for months, with deputy home affairs chief Johannes Luchner traveling to Kabul in January. However, the Commission later denied having records of Luchner's meeting with the Taliban or his trip to Afghanistan, highlighting political sensitivities. The talks aim initially to return criminals but also target non-criminal Afghans with return orders.
EUobserverTaliban delegation yet to apply for visas ahead of EU migration talks in Brussels
The Taliban's planned visit to Brussels for technical-level discussions with the European Commission has hit a bureaucratic hurdle, as Belgium's foreign affairs ministry confirms it has not yet received visa applications from the delegation. The talks, expected this month, focus on the return of convicted criminals and individuals deemed security threats. The delegation is reportedly led by Taliban foreign affairs spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi. Belgian authorities have already begun security screening on prospective members based on names provided by the Commission. The visit has drawn criticism from MEPs, NGOs, and national politicians who argue it risks legitimizing a regime accused of severe human rights abuses. However, Belgium insists that blocking visas for EU institution invitees would set a dangerous precedent for Brussels' role as an international diplomatic capital.
EuractivTaliban delegation yet to apply for visas ahead of EU migration talks in Brussels
The Taliban's planned visit to Brussels for technical-level discussions with the European Commission has hit a bureaucratic obstacle, as Belgium's foreign affairs ministry confirms it has not yet received visa applications from the expected delegation. The talks, focused on the return of convicted criminals and security threats, were organized following a push by Belgium's migration ministry and an invitation from the Commission and Sweden. The delegation is expected to be led by Taliban foreign affairs spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi. Belgian authorities have already begun security screening on prospective members based on names provided by the Commission. The visit has drawn criticism from over 30 MEPs and NGOs who argue engagement risks legitimizing a regime accused of severe human rights abuses. Belgium insists that blocking visas for EU institution invitees would set a dangerous precedent for Brussels' role as an international diplomatic capital.
Euractiv