Belgium Grants Visas to Taliban Delegation for EU Meeting in Brussels

BRUSSELS, June 22, 2026 — Belgium has issued five visas to a delegation of Afghan Taliban officials to attend a European Union meeting in Brussels, marking the first time the EU will host representatives of the group since its return to power in Afghanistan five years ago.

According to an international news agency, the visas granted to the Afghan officials are of limited territorial validity and duration. A spokesperson for the Belgian Foreign Ministry said the visas are valid only for Belgium and for a single day.

The spokesperson added that, for security reasons, the exact date of the visit by the Afghan delegation will not be disclosed.

Reports indicate that the meeting is expected to focus on procedures related to the return of Afghan refugees and other technical matters concerning migration and cooperation.

The European Commission, the executive body of the European Union, emphasized that the gathering is purely technical in nature and should not be interpreted as recognition of the Taliban government.

The visit represents a rare instance of direct engagement between EU institutions and Taliban officials since the group’s takeover of Afghanistan, although European officials continue to maintain that such contacts do not constitute formal diplomatic recognition.