Sweden and EU to Host Islamic Emirate Delegation in Brussels to Discuss Migrant Returns

Sweden and the European Commission have confirmed plans to host a technical delegation from the Islamic Emirate in Brussels before the summer. The meeting will focus on coordinating the return of Afghan nationals currently residing in Europe.

Swedish Migration Minister Johan Forssell publicly affirmed Sweden’s role in facilitating the upcoming dialogue between European authorities and the Islamic Emirate. According to Forssell, the talks will include representatives from the European Commission, the European External Action Service, Belgium, and several other EU member states. The initiative builds on a joint European delegation visit to Kabul in January 2026, which laid the groundwork for renewed technical engagement.

While the primary agenda centers on migration management and the repatriation of Afghan citizens, European officials have also indicated that the discussions may serve as a broader step toward reestablishing diplomatic channels. Belgium has played a notable role in advancing the initiative, with multiple European nations expected to participate in the Brussels session.

The upcoming talks occur against a backdrop of ongoing international debate regarding the Islamic Emirate’s diplomatic status. Despite the absence of formal international recognition and continued scrutiny over domestic policies, European authorities have pursued practical cooperation on migration and regional stability. Officials from both sides have emphasized that the Brussels meeting will remain technical in nature, focusing on logistical arrangements and bilateral coordination rather than formal political recognition.