For the first time, European Union officials met in Brussels with a delegation of the Taliban government, marking a significant but unofficial move of limited engagement with the de facto regime of Afghanistan. The meeting took place with the participation of European Commission officials and representatives from 15 member states, focusing primarily on the returns and readmissions of Afghan nationals who no longer have a legal right to stay in Europe.
Technical cooperation without political recognition
Although the EU has not officially recognized the Taliban since their return to power, Brussels maintains that such contacts are necessary at a technical level. The goal is to manage issues concerning migratory flows, consular services, and return procedures, without implying political or diplomatic recognition of the regime. The talks are part of a broader effort to establish channels of communication, following a previous contact that had taken place in Kabul.
Migration at the heart of the talks
The main subject of the discussions was the creation of mechanisms for the return of Afghan citizens whose asylum applications have been rejected. Many European countries are facing increasing political pressure to tighten migration policy and accelerate returns, something which, however, requires cooperation with the authorities in Afghanistan.
The Taliban seek an international "exit"
For their part, the Taliban attempted to broaden the agenda of the talks beyond the migration issue. According to the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issues of consular representation, the provision of services to Afghans living in Europe, and confidence-building measures were also placed on the table. For the regime in Kabul, even limited European contact represents an opportunity to reduce international isolation and strengthen the practice of its legitimization.
Fierce reactions regarding human rights
The meeting triggered intense reactions from human rights organizations, activists, and politicians in Europe. Critics argue that such contacts could lead to the indirect normalization of a regime accused of serious violations, particularly against women and girls. Among the critics was Malala Yousafzai, who stressed that Europe should not legitimize a government that systematically restricts fundamental rights.
The European dilemma
The European Union is facing a difficult strategic dilemma. On one hand, there is the need for effective management of returns and control of migratory flows. On the other, the obligation to maintain a policy of principles toward a regime that is not recognized and is internationally denounced. This approach reflects a more pragmatic European line, where technical cooperation can proceed even without political recognition. The meeting in Brussels may pave the way for further technical contacts, mainly on issues of returns and consular services. However, the prospect of broader political cooperation remains limited, as the EU continues to link any deeper engagement to the human rights situation in Afghanistan, and especially to the treatment of women.
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