EU Holds First Brussels Talks with Taliban

Representatives of Afghanistan’s Taliban met EU officials in Brussels for the first time on Tuesday, drawing criticism from rights groups and European politicians who warned that the talks could help legitimize the regime.

The European Commission said the technical-level meeting focused on the return and readmission of Afghan nationals who do not have the right to stay in the EU.

Officials from the Commission and 15 EU member states attended the meeting, which followed an earlier round of talks in Kabul in January. The Taliban said the agenda also covered a possible consular presence in the EU, the resumption of consular services for Afghans in Europe and trust-building measures.

Rights groups and several European politicians criticized the meeting, arguing that the Taliban is seeking international recognition while continuing to restrict rights. Since returning to power, the group has limited women’s freedom of movement, barred girls from education beyond primary school and enforced morality laws restricting free expression and access to work.

Belgium issued the Afghan representatives visas valid for only one day and restricted their presence to Belgian territory. The EU does not officially recognize the Taliban government.

(Reuters, mja)