EU expands migration cooperation with eastern Libya through new funding

The European Union has pledged an extra €25 million ($29 million) to bolster migration cooperation in eastern Libya, according to a letter from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to EU leaders, as reported by Reuters. This funding is set to bolster border management, search-and-rescue, and anti-smuggling efforts in eastern Libya.

The EU's engagement with the region, currently under the control of military commander Khalifa Haftar, is aimed at curbing irregular migration across the Mediterranean. Libya, divided between rival western and eastern administrations, has been a primary route for migrants attempting the perilous sea journey to Europe since the 2011 NATO-backed overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi.

The EU and its member states have consistently supported and trained the Libyan coast guard, which intercepts migrants at sea. Despite formally recognizing only the Tripoli-based government, the EU has intensified its contacts with eastern Libyan authorities following a rise in migrant departures from Haftar-controlled regions. This move follows the EU's July announcement to establish a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Benghazi, Libya's second-largest city, further deepening cooperation with eastern Libya.

Von der Leyen emphasized in her letter that Libya remains the leading country of origin for illegal crossings to the EU and that an upcoming EU-Libya summit aims to maintain this cooperation. The EU, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration, is also facilitating voluntary returns from Libya to migrants' countries of origin.

Ultimately, the EU is focused on reducing the number of migrants who board boats with the intention of entering the EU illegally.