EU-Taliban Deportation Talks Spark Accusations of “Complicity”

DID Press: A planned meeting in June between the European Commission, the government of Sweden, and representatives of the Taliban in Brussels has triggered sharp criticism from some Members of the European Parliament, who argue the initiative amounts to “complicity rather than migration policy.”

The meeting is expected to focus on practical arrangements for the deportation of rejected Afghan asylum seekers from European countries, and is reportedly backed by a majority of EU member states.

However, the proposal has drawn strong opposition from human rights organizations and several EU lawmakers during parliamentary debates.

Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle strongly criticized the initiative, questioning its implications and warning against legitimizing the Taliban. She said: “What’s next? Will we let the mullahs speak in parliament?”

Other lawmakers, including Abir Al-Sahlani and Hannah Neumann, also voiced opposition to the planned talks.

Hannah Neumann described the policy in stark terms, stating: “This is not migration policy; this is complicity.”

The Taliban, which governs Afghanistan under a strict interpretation of Islamic law, has faced sustained international criticism over sweeping restrictions on social life, particularly the rights of women and girls. Reports have also surfaced alleging plans to legalize marriage for girls as young as nine, triggering widespread global condemnation.