The European Union is inviting the Taliban to Brussels for talks, marking a new low in Europe's migration policy. As ICE-style deportation rules come into force, the EU is expanding its circle of unsavory partners to include the Afghan regime, paying them to keep out unwanted migrants.
EU Migration Pact and Deportation Rules
The latest version of the EU migration and asylum pact, expected to become operational on 12 June, includes offshore processing centers, third-country deportation hubs, and expanded detention powers, including the right to detain children. Human rights organizations have condemned these measures as 'ICE-style' detection, raids, and detention practices across Europe.
Talks with the Taliban
For the first time, the EU Commission's home affairs directorate is preparing to host talks in Brussels with a Taliban delegation. Officials insist the discussions are 'technical' and necessary for aid delivery and women's rights, but critics argue they legitimize a regime that has imposed sweeping restrictions on women's education, employment, and public life since returning to power in 2021.
Deportations and Human Rights
The talks are primarily about deporting asylum seekers whose claims have been rejected, sending them back to a country where they face arbitrary arrest, detention, torture, and a food crisis. This approach reflects a broader EU shift from migration management to deterrence and deportation, using dehumanizing language like 'return management' and 'irregulars' to justify harsh policies.
Selective Application of Rules
The EU's willingness to engage with the Taliban contrasts sharply with its embrace of Ukrainian refugees, while it has done little to stop Israel's actions in Gaza. This selective application of rules and principles, based on who is affected, risks normalizing exceptions that can expand to target all minorities and dissidents.
As pro-Palestine protesters are portrayed as security threats and journalists face intimidation for criticizing Israel, the EU's commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law is called into question. The absence of outrage over the Taliban meeting is a reminder that when the shocking becomes mainstream, everyone is a potential target.
