Key facts
- The EU's migration commissioner, Magnus Brunner, stated that dialogue with the Taliban government is necessary to improve the situation for Europeans and asylum-seekers.
- The European Commission has invited Taliban officials for discussions on cracking down on irregular migration and boosting deportations.
- The planned meeting has faced criticism from rights groups questioning the ethics and legality of returning migrants to Afghanistan.
- EU countries received approximately one million asylum applications from Afghans between 2013 and 2024, with about half approved.
- Several EU member states have expressed interest in returning migrants without a right to stay, particularly those with criminal convictions.
Europe has no alternative but to engage in discussions with the Taliban government regarding the return of failed asylum-seekers to Afghanistan, according to the EU's migration commissioner, Magnus Brunner. The European Commission has extended an invitation to Taliban officials for talks aimed at curbing irregular migration and increasing deportations, despite not formally recognizing the administration.
Brunner defended the planned meeting, stating, "It's no option not to talk to these people in order to improve the situation." He emphasized that these discussions are not equivalent to recognizing the "Taliban regime" and are in Europe's best interest, with many member states showing interest. The Belgian government confirmed it received the names of the expected Taliban delegation, initiating security checks, though visa applications have not yet been submitted.
European governments have adopted a firmer stance on migration amid hardening public opinion and the rise of far-right parties. With migrant arrivals decreasing, the focus has shifted to improving repatriation systems. Between 2013 and 2024, EU countries received approximately one million asylum applications from Afghans, with about half being approved. Last year, around 20 of the 27 EU member states expressed interest in returning migrants without a right to stay, particularly those with criminal convictions, to Afghanistan. Germany has already deported over 100 Afghans with criminal convictions since 2024.
Rights groups have raised concerns about the ethical and legal implications of returning migrants to Afghanistan, which is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis with millions facing hunger and economic hardship, according to the United Nations. The Taliban's return to power in 2021 led to the closure of European embassies in Kabul and the imposition of strict social policies, including severe restrictions on women's rights and education for girls.