European governments, long opposed to the Taliban due to human rights abuses, are now negotiating deportations of Afghan refugees back to Afghanistan. In a secret June meeting in Brussels, over 20 European officials met with five Taliban representatives to discuss expulsions—avoiding mention of the group’s repression of women and girls. The talks, reported here for the first time, reflect growing pressure on European leaders to appear tough on migration, especially in Germany, where the far-right AfD party leads polls and demands mass deportations.
Germany has already begun direct deportations under a deal with the Taliban, including a February flight sending 20 convicted Afghan men to Kabul. Human rights groups warn that deportations expose returnees to persecution, while critics say Europe is legitimizing Taliban rule by engaging diplomatically. The Taliban seek broader recognition, access to diplomatic missions, and financial aid—beyond humanitarian assistance—which Europe fears would entrench their sanctioned regime.
Despite taboos, sustained engagement on deportations is becoming a gateway to acceptance, analysts say.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing