The European Union's approach to migration policy, particularly concerning the repatriation of migrants, necessitates engagement with governing authorities even in countries where their regimes are contentious. European Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, articulated this stance on Euronews' The Europe Conversation, emphasizing the importance of technical discussions with entities such as the Taliban on migration-related issues. He stated that while engaging with third countries whose governments or methods are disliked is "not fun" or "easy," it is nonetheless crucial, and "not being engaged is not an option." These technical-level meetings are strictly limited to civil servants, ensuring political figures are not involved, a position fully supported by the Commission.

This pragmatic approach comes as individual EU member states explore bilateral agreements. Germany, for instance, has been actively negotiating a direct deal with the Taliban to expedite the deportation of Afghan nationals, primarily those whose asylum applications have been rejected or who have been convicted of serious crimes in Germany. Germany's Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced these plans, with a final agreement anticipated in the near future. Commissioner Brunner highlighted that for migrants from Afghanistan, the EU has encountered "criminals and people posing a security threat to member states," making it "legitimate to send them back and to find solutions with these regions or countries to get these people back to their country of origin."

However, the prospect of engaging with the Taliban has drawn significant criticism from various quarters, including German coalition partners. Critics underscore the Taliban's systematic violations of human rights, especially women's rights, since their return to power in Afghanistan in August 2021. Concerns have been raised that dialogue with the Taliban, particularly by a major EU country, could inadvertently lend legitimacy to the Afghan regime and pave the way for a gradual normalisation of its relations with Western nations. Berlin has, however, stressed its lack of official diplomatic relations with the Taliban, with Brunner differentiating between technical talks and the acknowledgment or respect of the government. The EU Commission itself initiated exploratory talks with the Taliban in October, prompted by pressure from 20 European countries seeking ways to repatriate Afghan nationals illegally residing in Europe, citing security threats due to the absence of formal return agreements.

Despite these efforts to repatriate individuals, a senior UN official has cautioned against the logistical and humanitarian challenges involved. Kanni Wignaraja, UNDP director for Asia and the Pacific, told Euronews that Afghanistan currently lacks the capacity to absorb refugees already returning home. A UN Development Programme (UNDP) report reinforced this, detailing severe conditions within the country, including limited access to international assistance and the Taliban's stringent impositions on basic human rights, particularly affecting women and girls, which collectively impede the successful reintegration of returning Afghans. Conversely, some experts propose that a growing sense of rapprochement with the Taliban might paradoxically contribute to an improvement in the human rights situation within Afghanistan.

In a broader context, Commissioner Brunner also discussed the new EU Pact on Asylum and Migration, describing it as a crucial step towards rebuilding public trust in a deeply divisive area. Adopted by the European Parliament and Council, the Pact's rules entered into force in 2024 and are scheduled for application in June of the following year. While acknowledging that the Pact is "not perfect" and has "some missing pieces," Brunner affirmed that "it's better to have 70% than 0%," underscoring the necessity of its implementation. The initiative is built upon four core principles: fortifying external borders through screening and expedited border procedures; establishing swift and efficient asylum processes; fostering solidarity and responsibility among member states; and integrating migration management into international partnerships. Brunner indicated that while progress is "on track," further elements like return regulation, and definitions of 'safe third countries' and 'safe countries of origin', remain important for comprehensive implementation.

Expanding on innovative solutions, Brunner also voiced support for the concept of 'return hubs,' which involve sending individuals without the right to remain in the EU to a third country. He stated that the return regulation provides a framework for member states to explore such possibilities, emphasizing that the Commission’s role is to facilitate these options rather than negotiate on behalf of all member states. Brunner also shared insights from a recent meeting with the Pope in Rome, highlighting a shared perspective on "respecting human rights, respecting fundamental rights," while simultaneously "fighting the human traffickers."