Representatives of the European Union met on Tuesday in Brussels with a Taliban delegation for discussions. A source familiar with the matter at the European Commission told media that representatives from 15 EU member states participated in the meeting.
According to the source, the main focus of the talks was on the situation of asylum seekers who have committed serious crimes or are considered a threat to public security by host countries.
This European official, who requested anonymity, stated that the discussions concerned the identification of returnees, the issuance of travel documents, and mechanisms for their return to Afghanistan. He added that a significant portion of the talks was devoted to the repatriation of individuals with serious criminal records or those deemed security risks.
The official further noted that the Brussels meeting followed up on technical discussions held in January 2026 in Kabul between the parties.
He also said that in October 2025, ministers from 20 EU member states and Schengen-associated countries sent a joint letter to the European Commission requesting that it coordinate technical contacts and discussions with the Taliban on the return and readmission of Afghan migrants at the EU level.
The letter emphasized that the return of individuals who have committed serious crimes or pose a threat to public security is a top priority for the signatory countries.
The meeting was organized in cooperation between relevant departments of the European Commission and Sweden.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
