Germany Gave In To Taliban Pressure, Says European Lawmaker
German Member of the European Parliament (MEP), **Hannah Neumann**, has sharply criticized Germany’s decision to deport Afghan nationals back to Afghanistan, warning that the move gives the Taliban dangerous leverage over Europe.
Speaking to Afghanistan International, Neumann said Germany has effectively surrendered to Taliban pressure. She argued that Afghan nationals convicted of crimes should remain imprisoned in Germany instead of being deported to Afghanistan, where their return could strengthen Taliban influence rather than improve security.
According to Neumann, deporting offenders to Afghanistan could create serious risks, especially for women. She claimed the Taliban are unlikely to imprison deported criminals and warned that their release could expose Afghan women to increased threats, including sexual violence and abuse.
Neumann also warned that Germany’s approach could make Europe more vulnerable to coercion and blackmail by the Taliban. She said Berlin had fallen into what she called a “Taliban populist trap,” where political pressure to remove convicted Afghan men overshadowed the long-term security and humanitarian consequences.
The lawmaker further criticized Germany’s decision to transfer control of Afghanistan’s consulate in Bonn and embassy in Berlin to Taliban-linked representatives. She said this could endanger Afghans who fled Taliban rule, as sensitive personal information could potentially be accessed and used to identify or target political opponents living abroad.
Neumann also expressed concern over the European Union’s decision to invite a Taliban delegation to Brussels. She said the move deeply disappointed many Afghans and questioned why Europe appears to be softening its stance despite the Taliban failing to meet key EU conditions, including respect for human rights, formation of an inclusive government, unrestricted humanitarian access, and preventing Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorist groups.