20 European Nations Urge EU to Deport Afghan Migrants, “Send Them Back at All Costs”

Twenty European nations have called on the European Commission to ensure the return of Afghan nationals residing illegally in Europe, even if it requires forced deportations.

According to Belgian Minister for Asylum and Migration Annelies Van den Bossche, the countries issued a joint letter urging the EU to take immediate steps for the repatriation of Afghan migrants — “whether voluntary or compulsory.”

The signatories include Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, and Norway.

The letter highlights that since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, the absence of a formal agreement with Afghanistan has made deportations impossible, leading to growing security concerns and declining public trust in asylum systems.

It also calls for the repatriation of Afghans considered dangerous or criminal offenders as a priority, and suggests sending a joint EU mission to Afghanistan to negotiate directly with the Taliban.

Experts say this move reflects a hardening of Europe’s migration stance and rising domestic pressure, which could make life even harder for Afghan refugees across the continent.