Taliban Officials Head to Brussels for EU Talks on Afghan Deportees

Taliban officials have received visas from Belgium, enabling them to participate in discussions with European Union representatives concerning the deportation of Afghans. These discussions are expected to take place in Brussels, as confirmed by Afghanistan’s officials.

Several EU countries, with Sweden at the forefront, advocated for this meeting, which is being coordinated by the European Commission. This move has been met with both diplomatic sensitivity and criticism. Laurens Soenen, representing Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reported that five visas were issued to the Taliban delegates late on Monday. These visas permit a one-day stay in Belgium, but Soenen declined to confirm the delegation’s arrival date, citing concerns over security and public order.

An Afghan government source revealed that a five-member delegation would be in Brussels for a day to discuss consular services for Afghans in the EU, including some returns to Afghanistan. The source requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the negotiations.

A Kabul-based diplomat, not affiliated with the Taliban but briefed on the visit, corroborated that the meeting is planned for Tuesday. The European Commission has withheld specific details regarding the meeting schedule, emphasizing its technical nature. EU member states requested the meeting.