BRUSSELS — The European Union has committed an additional €25 million ($29 million) to expand migration cooperation in eastern Libya, deepening its engagement with the region controlled by military commander Khalifa Haftar. The funding will support border management, search-and-rescue operations and efforts to combat migrant smuggling.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen disclosed the move in a letter to EU leaders, saying Libya remains the leading departure point for irregular crossings into the EU. She described an upcoming EU-Libya meeting as a means of sustaining cooperation.
Libya has been a major transit route for migrants attempting the dangerous Mediterranean crossing since the 2011 uprising that ended Muammar Gaddafi’s rule. Although the EU formally recognises only the Tripoli-based government, it has increased contacts with eastern authorities as departures from Haftar-controlled areas have risen.
The new funding follows the EU’s July decision to establish a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Benghazi under Operation IRINI, with support from Italy and Malta. Von der Leyen also said the EU and the International Organization for Migration were supporting voluntary returns from Libya, while seeking to reduce arrivals by people intending to cross illegally into Europe.