CPJ Urges EU Not to Invite Taliban to Brussels

DID Press: The Committee to Protect Journalists has called on the European Commission to cancel any plans to invite Taliban representatives to Brussels, warning that such a move could legitimize the group internationally.

The European Union has not formally recognized the Taliban government and has repeatedly stated that official engagement depends on compliance with international human rights standards.

Tom Gibson described the reported invitation as “deeply shocking,” saying it comes while the Taliban continue suppressing independent media in Afghanistan.

He argued that inviting Taliban officials to Brussels would strengthen the group’s international image and provide it with political legitimacy.

CPJ also said the Taliban have shut down independent media outlets, detained journalists, and imposed severe censorship since returning to power in 2021.

According to the organization, Afghan journalists are operating under intense fear and pressure, while much of the country’s media environment has increasingly shifted toward pro-Taliban messaging.

The statement follows recent reports of additional arrests and detentions of journalists and media workers by Taliban authorities.

According to media reports, the planned technical meeting between EU officials and a Taliban delegation was expected to focus on the return of rejected Afghan asylum seekers and Afghan nationals convicted of crimes in Europe.