20 EU Countries Urge Commission for Increased Afghan Deportations Over Security Concerns

Twenty European countries, led by Belgium, have jointly urged the European Commission to enhance mechanisms for returning Afghans without residence permits to Afghanistan, emphasizing both voluntary and forced deportations as shared EU responsibilities. The coalition, including Germany, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, and others, highlighted the low return rate, with only 435 of 22,870 Afghans ordered to return actually doing so last year. They prioritize the return of individuals who pose a threat to public order or national security and propose strengthening EU actions, such as expanding Frontex's role and negotiating with the Taliban regime, which controls Afghanistan since 2021. Germany is actively negotiating deportation agreements with the Taliban despite international controversy over diplomatic contacts and human rights concerns under Taliban rule. The group also calls for orderly, dignified, and safe returns to maintain credible migration policies across the EU. Norway, while not an EU member, also supports this initiative as part of the Schengen area cooperation.