The European Commission is preparing to invite Taliban representatives to Brussels for technical talks on the return of Afghan citizens without legal residence in the EU, which is a very sensitive initiative in which Belgium plays an active role, Belga reported.
According to European officials, the talks will focus on practical cooperation, including the identification of individuals and the issuance of travel documents for return.
The next mission is expected to take place in Brussels before the summer, after the first technical visit to Kabul in January, in which European representatives and the Belgian Immigration Office will participate.
Belgium, together with 19 other member states, including Germany, Austria and the Netherlands, called on the Commission to develop by the end of 2026 concrete measures to facilitate voluntary and forced return, especially for people convicted of criminal offences. Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt (N-VA) confirmed in parliament that Belgium remains closely involved at the European level.
Van Bossuyt confirmed that any approach must be consistent with human rights obligations.
– Afghans who are not granted protection or residence must return whenever possible, but there must always be an assessment according to Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights – she said, referring to the prohibition of torture and inhumane treatment. In her opinion, the planned meeting in Brussels is an “important and necessary step” towards a coordinated European solution, “without recognizing this regime”.
At the same time, the issue reveals divisions within the Belgian government. The Cabinet of Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot has made it clear that Belgium itself will not invite Taliban representatives. However, as a host country of EU institutions, it may be obliged to issue visas if an invitation comes from the European Commission.
The prospect of cooperation with the Taliban remains highly controversial given the regime’s human rights record, including restrictions on women and girls and repression of dissent. Critics warn that even technical contacts risk giving legitimacy.
Opposition parties expressed strong objections. Green MP Matti Vandemaele argued that cooperation with the Taliban “normalises and legitimizes that regime”, while Francesca Van Belleghem of the Vlaams Belang party criticized what she described as “organised hypocrisy” within the government.
Despite the controversy, several EU countries are pushing for a coordinated return mechanism, reflecting continued pressure on asylum systems. Afghans were among the largest groups of asylum seekers in several member states last year, and some countries have already resumed deportations of convicted persons.
For now, discussions are still ongoing at the European level, with Belgium maintaining a coordinating role as the file develops.
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
