The European Union is set to host representatives of Afghanistan's Islamic Emirate in Brussels for talks on migration and the return of Afghan nationals from Europe, marking the first official meeting between EU institutions and Afghan officials since the Islamic Emirate returned to power in 2021.

Belgian authorities issued five visas to members of the Afghan delegation, allowing them to attend a meeting scheduled for Tuesday. The gathering is expected to focus on migration issues, including the return and readmission of Afghan nationals whose asylum applications in European countries have been rejected.

A spokesperson for the Belgian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the visas were granted following a security assessment and are valid for a single day in Belgium.

The invitation from the European Commission is being viewed as another indication of the growing practical engagement between European governments and the Islamic Emirate, despite the absence of formal diplomatic recognition.

According to European officials, discussions will focus on irregular migration from Afghanistan to EU member states and possible mechanisms for facilitating the return of Afghan nationals who no longer have legal grounds to remain in Europe.

A letter addressed to Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi reportedly stated that the talks would center on "the return and readmission of Afghan nationals without a right to stay in the European Union."

European Commission spokesman Markus Lammert said several EU member states are seeking ways to return individuals convicted of serious crimes or considered security risks.

"The focus for member states is very much on persons who have committed serious crimes or who pose a security threat," Lammert said.

Since the Islamic Emirate assumed control of Afghanistan in August 2021, many countries have maintained unofficial channels of communication with Kabul despite withholding formal recognition.

The Brussels meeting is expected to further expand technical engagement between European institutions and Afghan authorities on matters of mutual concern, particularly migration management and consular cooperation.

Earlier this month, EU migration commissioner Magnus Brunner defended dialogue with Afghan authorities, arguing that practical cooperation is necessary to address migration challenges and facilitate returns.

Observers note that a number of countries in the region and beyond have gradually increased contacts with the Islamic Emirate government as Afghanistan's political reality has become more firmly established.

The discussions come as Afghanistan continues efforts to rebuild after decades of war, foreign occupation, and economic disruption.

The country remains under significant economic pressure, partly due to international sanctions, restrictions on financial transactions, and the freezing of Afghan assets abroad. Afghan officials have repeatedly called on the international community to pursue constructive engagement rather than isolation.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan is also managing the return of large numbers of Afghan nationals from neighboring countries, particularly Iran and Pakistan, placing additional pressure on local resources and humanitarian services.

The planned talks have generated debate among some rights organizations and advocacy groups in Europe, which oppose deportations to Afghanistan and have urged EU institutions to reconsider the initiative.

However, a growing number of European governments have called for stronger migration controls and increased cooperation with countries of origin to facilitate the return of individuals who have exhausted legal avenues for remaining in Europe.

According to EU migration data, approximately one million asylum applications from Afghan nationals were submitted across the bloc between 2013 and 2024, making Afghans one of the largest groups seeking protection in Europe.

The Brussels meeting is expected to serve as an important test of future cooperation between the European Union and Afghanistan's Islamic Emirate authorities on migration and other practical issues, despite continuing political differences between the two sides. (ILKHA)