Islamabad, 11 October, 2026 (Nosheen): The European Union is facing growing criticism over its engagement with Afghanistan’s Taliban administration, with concerns that efforts to secure the deportation of Afghan migrants could undermine the bloc’s commitments to human rights, counterterrorism and inclusive governance. The debate intensified following talks between European officials and a five-member Taliban delegation in Brussels in June 2026. The meeting, reportedly supported by several EU member states, including Belgium, Germany and Sweden, aimed to facilitate the return of Afghan nationals from Europe to Afghanistan. However, critics warned that such cooperation could gradually legitimise the Taliban administration without securing meaningful concessions. EU officials described the discussions as technical rather than formal recognition of the Taliban government. The Taliban delegation reportedly also sought control over Afghan consular offices in European countries in exchange for cooperation on deportations. The EU’s five benchmarks for recognition, established after the Taliban takeover in 2021, include counterterrorism, human rights, women’s rights, girls’ education and the formation of an inclusive government. However, concerns remain over the presence of terrorist organisations in Afghanistan, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Islamic State Khorasan Province and Al Qaeda. Pakistan has also raised concerns at the United Nations over militant activity originating from Afghan territory, citing thousands of terrorism incidents and more than 1,200 fatalities in 2025. Human rights concerns remain equally serious, as more than 2.6 million Afghan girls are reportedly excluded from secondary and higher education, while women face extensive restrictions on employment and public participation. Ethnic and religious minorities, particularly Shia Hazaras, have also faced discrimination and restrictions. Critics argue that prioritising migration cooperation could strengthen the Taliban’s position while weakening European pressure for reforms. They have called on the EU to make engagement conditional on verifiable progress, including action against terrorist networks, restoration of girls’ access to education and protection of minority rights. The debate has raised broader questions about whether Europe can pursue practical cooperation on migration without compromising its security priorities and human rights commitments.