The European Union has officially invited the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to participate in a technical meeting focused on the repatriation of Afghan migrants.
Kabul 24: The EU confirmed that it has sent a formal letter to Afghan authorities, extending the invitation for discussions on returning individuals who lack legal residency rights in Europe and pose security risks to member states.
Markus Lammert, spokesperson for the European Commission, confirmed the move, stating: “I can confirm that the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs of the European Commission, in cooperation with the Swedish Ministry of Justice, has sent a letter to the Afghan authorities inquiring about their readiness to hold a technical-level meeting in Brussels.”
This upcoming meeting will be held at a technical and expert level and will mark the second such engagement between the two sides in the solar year 1405 (2026/2027).
A similar meeting was previously held in Afghanistan in the month of Jaddi last year.The European Union has once again stressed that any contact or engagement with the current Afghan authorities does not imply formal recognition of the Islamic Emirate.
EU officials describe these interactions as purely practical and operational measures aimed at managing migration flows and assessing the situation on the ground in Afghanistan.
Markus Lammert added: “The European Union has been mandated by the Council of the EU to maintain operational engagements with the de facto authorities in Afghanistan.
This in no way amounts to recognition of the regime. The EU also maintains its presence in Afghanistan to facilitate contacts, monitor the situation, support member states, and continue assistance to the Afghan people.”This initiative comes as European countries face growing challenges in managing irregular migration.
Several EU member states are dealing with a significant number of Afghan nationals whose asylum claims have been rejected or who are considered security concerns. European authorities are increasingly seeking practical solutions for their return.
For its part, the Islamic Emirate has repeatedly expressed willingness to cooperate on the dignified and organized return of Afghan migrants. The planned technical meeting in Brussels could represent an important step toward better coordination on repatriation procedures.However, deep political differences remain.
The European Union continues to withhold formal recognition of the Islamic Emirate and maintains pressure on the Taliban regarding human rights, women’s rights, and the need for an inclusive government in Afghanistan.
This balanced approach — combining operational cooperation on migration with firm political conditions — reflects the EU’s complex and pragmatic strategy toward Afghanistan amid ongoing regional and humanitarian concerns.
