Taliban Delegation Concludes Brussels Visit Focused on Consular Services and Repatriation
Representatives from 15 European Union member states met with a Taliban delegation in Brussels on Tuesday, focusing primarily on the repatriation of Afghan refugees who have committed serious crimes or are considered threats to public security in Europe.
According to sources, the discussions centered on identifying returnees, issuing travel documents, and organizing the process for their readmission in Afghanistan, with a priority given to those assessed as security risks.
This meeting was described as a continuation of “technical talks” held in Kabul in January 2026. Previously, in October 2025, ministers from 20 EU member and Schengen-associated countries sent a joint letter to the European Commission requesting coordinated technical contacts with the Taliban administration on the return and readmission of Afghan migrants.
The letter emphasized that the return of individuals convicted of serious offenses or posing public security threats must be prioritized. The recent meeting was organized in cooperation with relevant divisions of the European Commission and the Swedish government.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Taliban Foreign Ministry stated that the delegation, led by Abdul Khaliq Balkhi, traveled to Brussels at the invitation of the European Union and engaged in bilateral and multilateral discussions. These talks covered the resumption of consular services for Afghans residing in Europe, the expansion of cooperation, and addressing issues faced by asylum seekers whose applications were rejected.
Despite these engagements, serious concerns persist regarding the return of migrants to a country governed by the Taliban, where extensive legal and social restrictions exist—particularly concerning guarantees for the fundamental rights of returnees and ensuring a safe and dignified life within Afghanistan.
