EU Commission to Meet Taliban on Deportations; Syria Agreement Restored; Ukraine Protection Concerns

The European Commission (EC) is preparing to meet Taliban officials in Brussels to discuss potential deportations from Europe to Afghanistan. This follows a January visit to Kabul by EU and Belgian officials. An invitation has been sent, but details on attendees or funding for the Afghan delegation remain undisclosed. The EC aims for a meeting before summer, despite criticism from ECRE's Reshad Jalali, who highlighted ICC arrest warrants against Taliban leaders and the persecution of Afghans, especially women and girls. EUobserver's Nikolaj Nielsen called the planned meeting a «new low», arguing it legitimizes the Taliban regime through cooperation, even without formal recognition.

The EU has fully restored the EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement, terminating a partial suspension in place since 2011. The Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) decision on May 11 follows the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 and the lifting of most EU economic sanctions on Syria in May 2025. This move signals the EU's commitment to re-engage with Syria and support its economic recovery, aiming to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees. However, Commissioner Dubravka Šuica emphasized that returns must be safe, voluntary, and dignified, while Syrian Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani stated Syrians abroad would return if conditions are suitable.

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, expressed concern on May 12 about the future of displaced Ukrainians in Europe after temporary protection ends in March 2027. He noted growing fatigue, intensifying discussions about ending emergency arrangements, and rising anti-Ukrainian sentiment. O’Flaherty stressed that protection should only be withdrawn when return is safe and durable, prioritizing avoiding a protection gap. He urged European countries to allow Ukrainians to rebuild their lives, whether in Europe or Ukraine.