EU Schedules Migration Dialogue with Taliban Representatives in Brussels

Belize has issued five visas to a Taliban delegation for a European Union meeting on migration. The session, set for Tuesday, marks the first EU engagement with the group since its return to power in Afghanistan nearly five years prior.

The gathering aims to address irregular migration from Afghanistan within the EU and discuss the deportation of rejected Afghan asylum seekers. Belgium provided the visas following a security evaluation, with validity limited to a single day.

The European Commission invited Taliban officials for talks, focusing on the return and readmission of Afghan nationals who lack the right to stay. Vienna emphasized that such discussions do not constitute formal recognition of the Taliban.

To date, Belgium’s foreign ministry has confirmed the permissions, while expressing concern over Taliban representatives identified within the EU’s security framework. High-ranking Taliban leaders remain subject to EU sanctions.

Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert highlighted efforts to address serious crimes and potential security threats in return for Afghan nationals’ repatriation. He stressed that the EU remains non-committal regarding official recognition.

The meeting will center on resolving the challenging issue of Afghan migrants seeking refuge, amid rising Euroscepticism and stricter migration policies across the continent.

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