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Europe Turns to Taliban for Migrant Deportations as Pressure Mounts
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Moneycontrol•12-10-2026, 19:02
Europe Turns to Taliban for Migrant Deportations as Pressure Mounts
- •European officials met with Taliban representatives in Brussels on June 23 to discuss direct deportations of Afghan migrants, breaking a long-standing taboo against holding such talks on EU soil.
- •While European governments maintain the talks are strictly technical, the Taliban used the meeting to demand economic assistance and a stronger diplomatic presence in Europe.
- •Human rights groups have strongly criticised the outreach, warning that returning Afghans could expose them to severe persecution and systematic repression under Taliban rule.
- •Germany is leading the deportation push after reaching an agreement with the Taliban, deporting hundreds of Afghans since last year, while France and Sweden consider similar arrangements.
Key Questions Answered
During the Brussels meeting, the Taliban delegation sought economic assistance, financial support for reintegrating deported Afghans, and a stronger diplomatic presence in Europe.
Germany has emerged as a key driver of the deportation effort under Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government, establishing a pact to enable direct deportations to Afghanistan.
More than 20 European officials met five Taliban representatives in Brussels on June 23, and the meeting was co-hosted by Sweden and the European Commission.
