Story perspectives

EU Faces Backlash Over Brussels Taliban Meeting, Human Rights Risks

6/23/2026

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EU Taliban Meeting

EU officials face criticism for planning a Brussels Taliban meeting that could normalize a regime banning girls beyond sixth grade.
Sweden co-chaired a meeting of fifteen EU states with Taliban representatives in Brussels, held outside EU premises without diplomatic recognition.
UN report says returnees face arrest, torture and death, risking EU breach of non-refoulement duty.
Groups warn sending Afghans to a country where half are hungry and women lack services.

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EU Engages Taliban

Belgium granted single-day visas to five Taliban officials to attend migration talks in Brussels.
Sweden co-chaired a meeting of fifteen EU member states with Taliban representatives, held outside EU premises without diplomatic recognition.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said he opposes inviting Taliban representatives and rejects formal recognition.
Germany arranged three flights with Taliban to deport nationals convicted of rape or drug trafficking.

History

Historical Context

In September 1996 the Taliban seized Kabul, imposed strict Sharia that barred girls from secondary school—UNICEF later found 9 out of 10 girls out of school—and limited women’s public roles. The United Nations ongoing monitors Taliban officials in diplomatic talks, echoing the same engagement pattern that once ignored the regime’s education bans.

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EU Taliban Meeting

EU officials face criticism for planning a Brussels Taliban meeting that could normalize a regime banning girls beyond sixth grade.
Sweden co-chaired a meeting of fifteen EU states with Taliban representatives in Brussels, held outside EU premises without diplomatic recognition.
UN report says returnees face arrest, torture and death, risking EU breach of non-refoulement duty.
Groups warn sending Afghans to a country where half are hungry and women lack services.

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