EU officials face backlash for hosting the Taliban, a regime accused of human rights abuses, including banning girls' education and erasing women from public life.

The EU Commission on Monday refused to respond if any of its own delegation would include female staffers in order to conform with male-only events - as per Taliban tradition.

The EU is preparing to host Taliban representatives for the first time since the group's return to power in Afghanistan. #EuropeNews

Brussels to host Taliban for talks on return of Afghans posing security threat in Europe