The European Commission has sent a letter inviting the Taliban in Afghanistan, but is at the same time refusing to disclose exactly who is invited or whether the EU will finance the Afghan delegation’s flights or accommodation.

After initially denying that a meeting was planned, an EU spokesperson has now confirmed that an invitation was sent by the EU’s migration department and the Swedish Ministry of Justice.

The meeting, described as being at a “technical level,” will focus on the deportation—or “return,” as it is called—of Afghan migrants who, according to the Commission, “have no right to stay and who constitute a security threat.”

The talks are described as politically sensitive since the EU does not recognize the Islamist Taliban regime, which Brussels has repeatedly condemned for issues such as restrictions on women’s rights and press freedom.

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According to the spokesperson, the EU has a mandate to maintain operational engagement with Afghanistan’s de facto authorities, while assuring that this in no way constitutes recognition.

– We are also convinced that returns to politically sensitive countries present challenges that need to be managed in a comprehensive and coordinated way. That’s why we coordinate on behalf of the member states, said the spokesperson.

More Countries Want to Deport

To travel to Brussels, Taliban officials will receive special visas from Belgium, which hosts the EU institutions.

The diplomatic contacts come after Germany has deported about 100 Afghans with criminal convictions since 2024, while other European countries have also shown interest in doing the same.

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