The European Union (EU) has confirmed that it has begun exploratory talks with Afghanistan’s Taliban government to explore ways of returning failed asylum seekers from Europe to their home country.
According to EU spokesperson Markus Lammert, the discussions are taking place at a technical level and are aimed at improving coordination among EU member states. He noted that the initiative seeks to find common ground on managing irregular migration while ensuring that all actions comply with international standards.
The decision to establish contact with the Taliban follows a formal request by 20 EU member states, led by Belgium, urging Brussels to take collective action on the growing number of Afghan migrants who have been denied asylum in Europe but cannot be deported. Belgian Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt emphasized that the inability to return irregular migrants “undermines public trust in the asylum system” and poses security challenges for member states.
Countries that signed the joint request include Austria, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Sweden. Many of these nations have experienced increased political pressure to curb irregular migration amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment and far-right electoral gains across Europe.
EU data indicates that fewer than 20% of migrants ordered to leave the 27-member bloc are successfully returned to their countries of origin. In light of this, Sweden’s Migration Minister, Johan Forssell, suggested that EU countries could coordinate deportations more efficiently, including the possibility of organizing joint flights to Afghanistan. Forssell confirmed that EU officials had already held technical discussions in Kabul to explore potential solutions.
While the EU maintains a diplomatic presence in Afghanistan, Brussels insists that its engagement “does not bestow any legitimacy” on the Taliban government. The contact remains limited to practical issues, including humanitarian coordination and migration management.
Since taking power in 2021, the Taliban have largely been isolated internationally due to their strict enforcement of Islamic law and human rights restrictions, particularly against women. In 2022, the Taliban banned female employees from working with NGOs, citing alleged non-compliance with Islamic dress codes, and also prohibited women from attending universities and high schools. These actions have drawn widespread condemnation from both the EU and the United States.
Despite these challenges, the EU continues to balance its commitment to humanitarian principles with the need for effective migration management. The current talks mark a cautious but significant step toward addressing one of Europe’s most complex migration issues involving Afghanistan.