Dutch MEP: talks between EU and Taliban "unacceptable"

The European Parliament is demanding clarification from the European Commission about planned talks with the Taliban. At the initiative of MEP Tineke Strik (GroenLinks), the Parliament has summoned European Commissioner Brunner to account for the plans.

The move follows reports that the European Commission and several EU member states are considering receiving a Taliban delegation in the near future. The talks would reportedly focus on the deportation of Afghan nationals. Earlier, Strik and other MEPs had already submitted written questions to the Commission about these plans.

Strik says it is unacceptable to treat the Taliban as a legitimate interlocutor. According to her, the regime is responsible for serious human rights violations, particularly against women and girls, and is not officially recognised by any EU member state. In addition, several Taliban ministers are on the EU sanctions list, which, Strik argues, raises serious questions about the legality of holding such talks.

The European Parliament wants to hold a debate with the responsible Commissioner as soon as possible. The European Commission is required to respond to the written questions within six weeks.