The meetings, held at the invitation of the European Commission, brought together technical experts from both sides to address increasing migration pressures affecting EU member states. A central issue on the agenda was the development of legal and logistical frameworks for the return of Afghan nationals whose asylum applications have been denied across Europe.

According to the European Commission, the talks were strictly technical in nature. EU representatives placed particular emphasis on establishing effective mechanisms for the deportation of individuals convicted of serious crimes or those considered security risks by member states.

The Afghan delegation was led by Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Following the talks, Balkhi said the visit could open the door to broader cooperation based on “mutual respect and shared interests.”

He also stated that the delegation used the discussions to raise concerns regarding the conditions faced by Afghan citizens living in Europe, while exploring potential confidence-building measures between Kabul and Brussels.

The European Union has not maintained a formal diplomatic presence in Kabul since the political changes in Afghanistan in 2021. However, growing migration pressures and the need for effective return arrangements have led to continued engagement at a technical level between both sides.

EU data indicates that around one million Afghan nationals applied for asylum in European Union member states between 2013 and 2024, underscoring the scale of migration as a key issue in relations between Brussels and Kabul.

The talks reflect a pragmatic approach by European countries seeking to strengthen migration enforcement and improve deportation procedures, while maintaining limited channels of communication with Afghan authorities to manage ongoing humanitarian and administrative challenges. (ILKHA)