The European Commission hosted Taliban representatives in Brussels on Tuesday for the first time since the group's return to power in Afghanistan five years ago, with talks focusing on the deportation of Afghan nationals from the European Union.
The meeting, described by the commission as taking place at a "technical" level, was aimed at facilitating the return of Afghan nationals who have committed serious crimes or pose security risks, officials said.
Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry described the visit as a "historic trip" and said the sides had held "productive talks." The main focus, it said, was the resumption of comprehensive consular services for Afghans living in Europe.
In May, the EU's executive arm invited Afghan representatives to Brussels after 20 EU and Schengen countries requested support in coordinating deportations to Afghanistan.
According to the commission, representatives from 15 member states also took part in the discussions. The visit followed a first meeting between Taliban representatives and EU officials in Kabul in January.
Deportations to Afghanistan remain highly controversial since the Taliban seized power in 2021. The group has been internationally isolated over its human rights record, including restrictions on women and girls, arbitrary arrests, allegations of torture and severe curbs on press freedom.
In May, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk voiced concern over plans by several European countries to increase deportations to Afghanistan, warning they could weaken human rights protections and expose people to danger.
EU insists talks do not imply recognition
The commission stressed that the talks did not amount to political recognition of the Taliban, which it does not regard as the legitimate government of Afghanistan. It said the discussions involved lower-level officials rather than political leaders.
A meeting between Taliban representatives and EU officials on European soil is highly sensitive. Critics warn the Taliban leadership could portray it domestically as a diplomatic breakthrough.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot opposed inviting Taliban representatives to Brussels. Belgium nevertheless issued five one-day visas as host country of the EU institutions.
The United Nations' special rapporteur for human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, said that "a meeting with Taliban in Brussels would insult Afghans, (especially) women."
European governments push for more returns
The European countries that petitioned for the talks - including Germany, Sweden and Italy - said last year that only around 2% of Afghans in the EU who received return orders in 2024 were actually sent back.
Germany is expanding its own bilateral technical-level contacts with the Taliban. Berlin confirmed this week that up to four additional Taliban diplomats would be allowed into the country to help verify identities and issue travel documents.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt reiterated over the weekend that Germany intends to increase deportations to Afghanistan. A spokeswoman for the Interior Ministry said up to three charter flights per month could be possible in future.
Austria has also held technical talks with the Taliban. A delegation from the Austrian Interior Ministry travelled to Afghanistan in early 2025, while Taliban representatives visited Vienna last September. Norway invited Taliban representatives for talks as early as 2022.
