European Figures Criticize Plans to Invite Taliban to Brussels for Migration Talks

The European Commission is pursuing technical talks with Taliban officials on migration issues, including the return of some Afghan citizens.

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from European politicians, human rights activists, and Afghan women's groups. Critics argue that the invitation would legitimize a regime responsible for systematic suppression of women and could enable forced returns to an unsafe country.

Fereshta Abbasi of Human Rights Watch stated that inviting the Taliban to Brussels sends the wrong message, citing Afghanistan's human rights crisis and institutionalized discrimination against women.

European Parliament member Hannah Neumann said on X that the European Union should not invite the Taliban to Brussels, as it would legitimize a government that suppresses women and damage the bloc's credibility.

The Spontaneous Movement of Afghan Protesting Women issued a declaration criticizing the invitation as anti-human rights.

Forty-seven members of the European Parliament have asked the Belgian government to refrain from issuing visas to Taliban representatives for the Brussels talks.

The Taliban has not reacted to the criticisms.