Magnus Brunner faces grilling over secret Taliban deportation talks

The in-camera meeting on Tuesday, forced behind closed doors at the insistence of the European People’s Party, underscored the extreme political sensitivity surrounding efforts to normalize relations with Kabul. Only a handful of advisors and MEPs were permitted to attend, shielding the exchange from public scrutiny as the European Commission seeks to expedite the return of Afghan nationals.

While the public justification for these talks focuses on individuals convicted of crimes, critics warn the underlying strategy targets a much broader population. An October letter from EU member states explicitly prioritized those posing a threat to national security, fueling fears that the criteria for removal will inevitably expand. During the session, Brunner faced sharp interrogation regarding how the Commission plans to guarantee fundamental rights for those sent back. According to attendees, he failed to identify a single non-governmental organization capable of monitoring safety on the ground, leaving many questioning the viability of the current deportation policy.