EU member states are working to enhance coordination on deporting Afghan nationals without legal status or who have committed crimes, with Belgium leading a recent initiative supported by 19 countries calling for an EU-wide mechanism and joint missions to Afghanistan.

The European Commission has engaged in exploratory talks with Afghanistan’s de facto authorities regarding returns, in coordination with the EU’s External Action Service.

Several EU countries, including Germany, have already conducted deportation flights to Afghanistan since 2021, with Germany organizing two flights mediated by Qatar.

Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, the country remains largely isolated internationally due to its repressive policies, especially against women.

The diplomatic freeze since 2021 has made voluntary or forced repatriations impossible, prompting Belgium to seek dialogue with the Taliban regime.

Belgium plans to discuss deportations with Taliban authorities despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations.

The EU maintains a diplomatic presence in Afghanistan mainly for humanitarian aid, but emphasizes that engagement does not legitimize the Taliban government, which faces international criticism for its repressive policies.

Less than 20% of individuals ordered to leave the EU are actually deported, raising concerns about policy effectiveness and prompting discussions on pooling resources for repatriation, including joint flights to Afghanistan.

Countries like Sweden, Germany, and Austria support pooling resources for joint flights to Afghanistan to improve deportation efforts.

Belgium’s proposal aims to improve cooperation between the EU Commission, the External Action Service, and willing member states to manage Afghan returns more effectively.