EU to Host Taliban on Migrant Returns

The International — European Commission plans to invite Taliban officials to Belgium — Brussels for technical talks on returning migrants to Afghanistan. This move, coordinated with Sweden, follows previous European official visits to Afghanistan on the same issue. Around 20 European Union countries are exploring ways to deport migrants, particularly those with criminal convictions, to Afghanistan, despite the Taliban's unrecognized status and Afghanistan's severe humanitarian crisis. Germany and Austria have already taken steps to deport Afghans and engage with the Taliban. The initiative faces strong criticism from NGOs like the International Rescue Committee and political figures such as Green EU lawmaker Melissa Camara, who raise ethical concerns about engaging with the Taliban and the potential risks to returnees. Belgian authorities are reportedly willing to grant exemptions for Taliban officials to enter Belgium — Brussels.