EU Officials Host Taliban Delegation in Brussels for Technical Talks

The European Commission, alongside representatives from 15 member states, co-chaired the session with Afghan officials to discuss the return and readmission of nationals who lack legal status in the bloc. While the EU maintains it has not recognized the Taliban administration, officials described the dialogue as a pragmatic necessity for managing security and migration. The Afghan Foreign Ministry indicated the agenda extended to broader consular services and potential trust-building measures.

Critics argue the engagement grants dangerous legitimacy to a regime accused of systemic human rights abuses. Malala Yousafzai condemned the move on social media, warning that Europe risks undermining its core values by interacting with a government responsible for severe restrictions on women and girls. Jeff Crisp of the University of Oxford echoed these concerns, noting the potential for returned Afghans to face persecution upon arrival. To mitigate diplomatic exposure, Belgium issued restricted visas that confined the delegation to national territory, barring them from free movement within the Schengen zone.