BRUSSELS, Belgium (Correspondent Londonpost) — Belgium has issued one-day visas to a Taliban delegation for talks with European Commission officials on the forced return of Afghan refugees, prompting fierce criticism from human rights groups and MEPs.
The delegation arrived in the Belgian capital on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, for a technical-level meeting on readmissions, despite the EU’s refusal to formally recognise the Taliban regime, which seized power in Afghanistan in 2021.
Amnesty International staged a protest in the Schuman district as the talks took place. Belgian authorities stressed that the five visas were valid only for Belgium — and not the wider Schengen area — and were issued following security checks by intelligence services that found no evidence the individuals posed a threat.
Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés) confirmed the limited scope of the visas and defended the decision by citing Belgium’s “headquarters policy”, which hosts major international institutions in Brussels. He said rejecting invitations from EU bodies could undermine the city’s status as a diplomatic capital.
The minister had previously spoken out against inviting Taliban representatives, citing the regime’s dire human rights record. However, he referred further questions about the meeting back to the European Commission, which organised it.
According to Belgian media, one of those attending is believed to be Abdul Qahar Balkhi, the Taliban’s foreign ministry spokesperson (real name Hasan Bahiss).
Strong condemnation
The move has drawn sharp rebukes from across the political spectrum. Francophone Green MEP Saskia Bricmont (Ecoles) described it as a “major political and moral fault”.
“Welcoming to Brussels representatives of a regime that systematically oppresses women, suppresses all opposition, denies fundamental freedoms, and imposes a veritable gender apartheid is unacceptable,” she said. “The Taliban are not like other negotiating partners. Their presence at the negotiating table sends an extremely worrying signal.”
Ms Bricmont warned that the EU’s willingness to engage with authoritarian regimes on migration risked damaging its international credibility and making it dependent on governments that reject democratic values.
A group of 47 MEPs had written to Minister Prévot urging him to refuse the visas, but received no response.
The European Commission confirmed the meeting was held at technical level with Swedish and Commission representatives, alongside Taliban officials responsible for returns and readmission.
