On Monday, October 20th, the European Union said it had “initiated exploratory contacts” with the Taliban government in Afghanistan, as member states push to boost deportations of failed asylum seekers.
The Taliban have been largely isolated on the global stage since they imposed a strict version of Islamic law upon returning to power in 2021, following the withdrawal of U.S.–led forces.
However, a letter initiated by Belgium and also signed by 20 EU member states, called on the Commission to take action to enable both voluntary and forced returns of Afghans with no right to stay.
Belgian Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt said in a statement that Belgian authorities are currently unable to return irregular Afghan nationals, even after a conviction:
This undermines public trust in asylum policy and affects our collective security. It is time for Europe to act together.
