The Taliban used a landmark visit to Brussels on Tuesday to press EU officials to restart consular services for Afghans across Europe.

The controversial visit comes as the Taliban seek a larger diplomatic role in Europe. Most Afghan embassies on the continent remain staffed by diplomats appointed before the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, with Germany the only European country to have accepted Taliban-appointed diplomats.

“This was a historic visit as first time ever that delegation from Islamic Emirate visited the EU and held talks with member states in Brussels,” Balkhi said in the statement. “We hope to build positive momentum to safeguard the consular rights of Afghans residing abroad.”

Balkhi – a key representative of the Taliban government since it returned to power – said the talks also covered arrangements for a “dignified” return process for Afghans being deported from the EU.

The delegation secured one-day visas only on Monday, ahead of the one-day talks in Brussels.

“15 Member States participated, allowing for a follow up to technical discussions that had taken place in January 2026 in Kabul, in particular with regards to the identification of returnees, the issuance of travel documents and their return. The focus was on persons who have committed serious crimes and who pose a security threat.”

(vc)