Taliban delegation expected in Brussels for EU deportation talks

The pending visit, confirmed by a spokesperson for Belgium’s deputy prime minister, Audrey Jacquiez, underscores the intensifying pressure within the EU to manage migration flows. While visas were issued for an extremely brief duration, the logistical preparations suggest a high-level engagement regarding individuals currently under return orders.

Contradictions surround the diplomatic groundwork for these talks. Johannes Luchner, deputy head of the European Commission’s home affairs department, previously claimed he traveled to Kabul in January to negotiate the return of criminals and non-criminal Afghans. However, his superior, Beate Gminder, later stated in a document access request that the commission holds no records of Luchner meeting with Taliban officials or even visiting Afghanistan. This discrepancy highlights the political sensitivity and internal friction characterizing the EU's approach to the Taliban government.