European Parliament to Discuss Return of Afghan Refugees to Afghanistan
The European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights is scheduled to discuss the return of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers from the European Union to Afghanistan on Thursday, September 3.
According to the European Parliament’s official agenda, the discussion will take place following meetings between the European Commission and representatives designated by the Islamic Emirate, and against the backdrop of the human rights situation in Afghanistan.
The European Parliament said its Human Rights Subcommittee will discuss on Thursday the return of refugees and asylum seekers from the EU to Afghanistan, following meetings between the European Commission and Taliban-appointed representatives and amid concerns over the human rights situation in Afghanistan.
Abdul Raziq Adil, a migrant rights activist, said: “Europe’s decisions are driven less by improvements in living and security conditions in Afghanistan than by domestic crises, pressure from conservative parties and growing fatigue in host societies over migration. While Europe seeks to contain the political and economic costs through deportations, such measures directly contradict the fundamental values of the European Union.”
Earlier, on June 23, 2026, an Islamic Emirate delegation met for the first time in Brussels with representatives of the European Commission and 15 EU member states.
The technical-level meeting focused primarily on the return and readmission of Afghan citizens who do not have the right to remain in the European Union. The European Commission and Sweden co-chaired the meeting.
Mohammad Jamal Muslim, a migrant rights activist, said: “Migration has become a global issue. Members of the European Parliament should not merely make statements; they should remain committed to their international obligations to protect human rights and the rights of migrants.”
Mohammad Khan Talebi Mohammadzai, another migrant rights activist, said: “European countries should continue their engagement with Islamic Emirate officials to help provide housing and employment opportunities for deported asylum seekers.”
According to figures published by Eurostat, 14,270 Afghan citizens were ordered to leave EU countries during the first nine months of 2025, while 340 Afghan citizens were returned to Afghanistan.
