A single amendment (Amendment 4) proposed by the European Parliament's Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN) group, led by Tomasz Froelich, would fundamentally shift a joint resolution on the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan from condemning the Taliban's human rights abuses to endorsing direct EU engagement with the regime, specifically on migration returns. The amendment, published on 20 May 2026, directly challenges the core premise of the resolution co-authored by the PPE, S&D, ECR, Renew, and Verts/ALE groups, which prioritises human rights conditionality over operational goals like returns.
The amendment proposes replacing a paragraph likely condemning the Taliban with one that “notes” and implicitly validates the European Commission’s exploratory talks with the Taliban, initiated at the request of 19 Member States, and explicitly links these talks to the “return of Afghan nationals.” It directly “calls for the EU to engage with the Taliban,” a stark departure from the resolution’s implied policy of non-recognition and condemnation.
Deep ideological rift
The political landscape is sharply divided. The ESN group stands alone in proposing this amendment, advocating for a transactional, realpolitik approach. They argue that the EU’s need to manage migration returns justifies direct talks with the Taliban, effectively sidelining the resolution’s primary concern for women’s and girls’ rights. In contrast, the PPE, S&D, ECR, Renew, and Verts/ALE groups, as co-authors of the original joint motion, are united in their opposition to this approach. Their collective position is that the Taliban’s systematic oppression of women and girls, exemplified by the new Criminal Procedure Code, makes any form of normalisation or official engagement unacceptable.
The amendment reveals a deep ideological rift between the ESN and the rest of the Parliament on the EU’s fundamental values versus its pragmatic interests in foreign policy. The cleavage is between human rights conditionality (supported by the five co-author groups) and pragmatic engagement on migration returns (pushed by ESN).
Impact on stakeholders
If adopted, the amendment would have major implications for several stakeholders. For Afghan women and girls, it would signal that the EU is willing to normalise relations with a regime that enforces gender apartheid, potentially undermining their rights and safety. For EU migration authorities, it could facilitate the return of Afghan nationals, addressing a key operational challenge. For the Taliban, it would provide legitimacy and a direct channel to the EU, strengthening their international standing. For EU member states, particularly the 19 that requested exploratory talks, it would align EU policy with their national interests in migration control, but could also create divisions among those prioritising human rights.
Expected institutional follow-up
The amendment will be voted on during the plenary session, alongside the joint resolution. If adopted, it would replace the relevant paragraph in the final text. The outcome will signal the Parliament’s stance on EU-Taliban engagement and could influence the Commission’s ongoing talks. The Council, which has requested the exploratory talks, may take note of the Parliament’s position but is not bound by it. The resolution, with or without the amendment, will be forwarded to the Commission, the Council, and the EEAS for consideration.
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