Taliban in Brussels for deportation talks & more
EU officials are meeting with the Taliban in Brussels to discuss the return of failed asylum seekers, a move that could affect residency status for many. Meanwhile, the Belgian royal family is hosting a formal state visit for the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
Failed asylum seekers from Afghanistan could soon be returned to their home country as the European Union holds its first formal talks with officials from the Taliban, the ruling group in Afghanistan. The meetings in Brussels are specifically designed to help EU member states deport individuals whose residency applications have been rejected. While the EU maintains the focus is on migration management, the Taliban are using the opportunity to ask for the right to provide consular services—such as passport renewals—to Afghans living abroad. Human rights organizations have raised concerns that these meetings could be seen as a step toward officially recognizing the Taliban government.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde are hosting a state visit for the Emperor and Empress of Japan at the Palace of Laeken, the official residence of the Belgian royal family. The visit, which included a formal banquet, is intended to reinforce diplomatic and cultural links between Belgium and Japan.
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