EU Allocates €25 Million to Enhance Migration Efforts in Libya

The European Union has announced a commitment of €25 million to expand migration cooperation in Libya, specifically targeting border management, search-and-rescue operations, and anti-smuggling activities in the eastern region of the country. This move indicates a deeper engagement by the EU with areas controlled by military commander Khalifa Haftar, as Brussels seeks to reduce irregular migration across the Mediterranean.

Since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has become a significant transit route for migrants attempting perilous sea crossings to Europe. The EU has historically supported and trained the Libyan coastguard, which intercepts migrants at sea.

Although the EU officially recognizes only the Tripoli-based government, it has increased interactions with eastern Libyan authorities since the previous year due to rising migrant departures from Haftar-controlled regions. This funding follows the EU's July announcement of establishing a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Benghazi, further enhancing cooperation with local authorities.

Ursula von der Leyen described an upcoming EU-Libya meeting as a chance to sustain this cooperation.