According to Iraf, citing Euractiv, the European Union is preparing to host a technical-level meeting with a Taliban delegation in Brussels, primarily focused on discussing the return and deportation of Afghan migrants from EU member states.
The report states that the delegation is scheduled to arrive in Brussels in June.
European officials said the European Commission, together with Sweden’s Ministry of Justice, has sent an official letter to the Taliban to assess the group’s readiness to participate in the talks.
Markus Lammert, spokesperson for the European Commission, said the discussions would focus on deporting individuals considered by the EU to pose “security threats.”
Balkhi Chosen to Lead Taliban Delegation
According to Euractiv, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Taliban Foreign Ministry, has been selected by the group to head the delegation.
Over recent years, Balkhi has emerged as one of the Taliban’s most active figures in foreign engagement and has participated in multiple international meetings and diplomatic discussions. He also recently accompanied the Taliban’s foreign minister during a visit to New Delhi.
Meeting to Be Held at a Neutral Venue
Sources familiar with the matter said the meeting will be held at a hotel in Brussels or another neutral location rather than inside official EU institutions.
The decision was reportedly made to preserve the “non-political” nature of the discussions.
Europe Accelerates Migrant Return Policies
In recent months, the European Union and around 20 member states have intensified efforts to deport undocumented migrants, particularly individuals with criminal convictions.
The move is part of broader hardline migration policies that have gained momentum amid the rise of right-wing political parties and shifting public opinion across Europe.
Human Rights Concerns
At the same time, human rights organizations and the UN refugee agency have warned about the humanitarian consequences of forced returns.
Afghanistan continues to face severe economic and humanitarian crises, and forced deportations could place additional pressure on local communities already struggling with instability.
Just weeks ago, the European Union had denied reports that it planned to invite the Taliban to Brussels.
However, with growing pressure from member states to accelerate migrant return procedures, the EU has now shifted its position and is actively preparing for the meeting — a sign that migration has become one of Europe’s key security priorities.
