A coalition of 19 European Union countries and Norway has formally urged the European Commission to authorize deportations of illegal and criminal Afghan migrants back to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The joint letter, signed this week, cites rising security threats and a breakdown of public trust in asylum policy as key reasons for immediate action.
Belgium’s Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt, led the effort and disclosed the participating countries, including Austria, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and others. The letter calls out Brussels for failing to negotiate a return agreement with the Taliban regime, which currently bars member states from carrying out deportations — even of individuals convicted of crimes.
Van Bossuyt warned, “Without comprehensive returns, every asylum and migration policy fails,” and called for a “decisive and joint approach” to regain control of Europe’s borders and national security.
In Belgium alone, over half of Afghan asylum applications are rejected, but 2,815 Afghans who should be deported remain housed in reception centers. Van Bossuyt noted Afghans rank second in committing serious incidents within these centers this year, underscoring the urgent security concern.
Across the EU, 22,870 deportation orders were issued for Afghan nationals in 2023, yet only 435 were enforced — a return rate of just 2%. Member states argue this unsustainable situation is damaging the credibility of European immigration systems.
The letter addressed to EU Commissioner for Asylum and Migration Magnus Brunner stated, “The organization of voluntary and forced return to Afghanistan is a shared European challenge that requires a coherent and collective response.”
Despite the lack of an official EU deal with the Taliban, some countries are moving independently. Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt recently revealed that Berlin is in advanced negotiations with the Taliban. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who promised action during his 2024 campaign, has so far authorized only two deportation flights with Qatari support.
Following the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 under President Biden, the Taliban regained full control of the country, making diplomatic engagements more complicated for EU member states. Still, growing concern over Afghan migrant criminality is pushing European leaders to demand Brussels prioritize return and reintegration strategies with Kabul.
