EU and Taliban Meet in Brussels on Afghan Return Talks

For the first time since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, representatives of the group met with European Union officials in Brussels on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, for talks focused on the return of Afghan nationals from Europe. The meeting, held at a technical level and in an undisclosed location, was co-chaired by the European Commission and Sweden and included officials from 15 EU member states.

Belgian authorities granted five Taliban delegates single-day visas, restricting their movement to Belgian territory only. The EU emphasized the discussions did not constitute diplomatic recognition of the Taliban government, which no European country formally recognizes. A European Commission spokesperson said the meeting focused on the "return and readmission" of Afghans without a right to stay in the EU, specifically targeting individuals who have committed serious crimes or pose security threats.

The move follows pressure from a majority of EU member states seeking to increase deportations. Between 2013 and 2024, EU nations received about one million asylum applications from Afghans, with roughly half approved. The meeting in Brussels was a follow-up to earlier technical...