POLITICS — June 24, 2026
Taliban Delegation Attends EU Talks on Migration in Brussels
Led by Abdul Qahar Balkhi, the group used one-day Belgian visas for the technical discussions, which European officials said do not signal recognition of the Taliban government. The meeting drew protests from Afghan communities and criticism from human rights advocates.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Khaama Press — 2 min read
A Taliban delegation led by Abdul Qahar Balkhi attended talks in Brussels on migration and consular services for Afghans. The group traveled using one-day Belgian visas. This marks the first known visit by such a delegation to EU institutions since 2021.
Balkhi stated that the delegation traveled at the EU's invitation. The focus remained on expanding consular services for Afghans in EU states. The visit was shortened to one day due to Belgian logistical, security and protocol issues.
European officials described the meeting as a technical discussion on migration. They said it does not constitute recognition of the Taliban government.
The talks drew criticism from human rights organizations, Afghan activists and European lawmakers including Fereshta Abbasi and Hannah Neumann. Protests by Afghan communities in Europe also took place.
Afghanistan faces a severe humanitarian and human rights crisis with millions needing aid. The Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on women and girls since 2021.
Read the original reporting at Khaama Press →
Reliability assessment
Single source provides direct on-record attribution from named Taliban spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi with concrete details on invitation, duration, purpose and Belgian visa restrictions; European officials' position is also reported.
The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. Khaama Press: "strong criticism", "risks granting political legitimacy", "severe humanitarian and human rights crisis", "sweeping restrictions" — these phrases introduce opinionated framing and emotional weight around legitimacy, crisis severity, and policy condemnation beyond neutral reporting.
Independent web corroboration
A separate web search returned 8 matching reports. A selection:
- Kabul delegation, EU envoys conclude talks in Brussels | Ariana News | Afghanistan Newsariananews.af
The delegation, led by Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, traveled to Brussels with representatives from the Ministry of Interior also included in the delegation
- Taliban holds first, closed-door talks with EU in Brussels amid human rights concerns | AP Newsapnews.com
Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a spokesperson for the Taliban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called the visit “historic,” noting it was the first time a delegation from the Islamic Emirate held talks with the EU and EU nations in Brussels.
The delegation, led by Afghan foreign ministry communications chief Abdul Qahar Balkhi, discussed measures aimed at “restarting broad-range consular services for Afghans in EU zone”, Balkhi said in a statement shared with Euractiv.
"This was a historic visit as first time ever that delegation from Islamic Emirate visited the EU and held talks with member states in Brussels," said Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a spokesperson for the Taliban Ministry of Foreign Affairs who led the ...
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Politics — Taliban, Brussels, European Union, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, migration
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