EU activity in Libya since the fall of the Gaddafi regime

EU policy aims at assisting Libya in its efforts to establish a democratic, stable and prosperous State. This involves promoting democratic transition, based on an inclusive constitution, the emergence of strong, transparent and accountable institutions, an alert civil society and a vibrant private sector.

EU engagement with Libya has developed along four main axes:

• Diplomacy

The EU has engaged with Libyan authorities: at a bilateral level (including appointment of EU Special Envoy for Libya); in international meetings (Paris, London, Rome, Madrid) to discuss government policy and international support to Libya; and through support to UN mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

• Exploratory talks in view of re-launching negotiations for a comprehensive bilateral Association Agreement
• Cooperation

In the absence of an Association Agreement with the EU, Libya remains outside most of the structures of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). However, it is eligible for funding under the new European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI) and the ENI’s regional programmes, in addition to thematic assistance programmes – for example, on human rights or migration.

The EU’s total programme in Libya now stands at €108 million. It focuses on public administration, security, democratic transition, civil society, health, vocational training and education. This is in addition to the €80.5mdisbursed for humanitarian assistance during the 2011 revolution. More information on EU assistance to Libya can be found here.

• The CSDP mission EUBAM Libya was established in May 2013 to support the Libyan authorities in improving and developing their capacity to enhance the security of their land, sea and air borders in the short term, and to develop a broader Integrated Border Management (IBM) strategy in the long term.

A deterioration in the security situation in Tripoli since July 2014 has led to the temporary relocation of staff from EUDEL and EUBAM to Tunis and Brussels, until security conditions allow their return.

The EU is actively supporting UNSMIL’s efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire and resume the political process.

Mogherini discusses Syria, migration with European & national MPs

23/02/2016

The EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini debated Syria, the refugee crisis, Libya and the UK referendum with members of the European parliament and of national parliaments at the EP's Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday 23 February.

Syria, climate change, Belarus dominate Foreign Affairs Council

15/02/2016

The February meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council saw discussions on Syria, an action plan on climate being adopted and the lifting of most of the restrictive measure on Belarus.

3 days of intense diplomacy in Munich

15/02/2016

An intense three days at the Munich Security Conference saw EU High Representative Federica Mogherini attend the Quartet meeting on the Middle East Peace Process and also the International Support group (ISSG) for Syria.

High Representative chairs Informal Defence Council and Gymnich in Amsterdam

05/02/2016

High Representative Federica Mogherini and Dutch Minister of Defence Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert co-chaired on Friday the informal meeting of Defence Ministers in Amsterdam. The event, organized  by the Netherlands EU presidency, was a fruitful occasion...

Federica Mogherini welcomes announcement of members of new Libyan unity government

19/01/2016

High Representative Federica Mogherini today welcomed the announcement of the agreement on the Ministerial posts in the Government of National Accord by the Libyan Presidency Council as “an important decision. This result, under the leadership of designated...

High Representative Mogherini welcomes successful Foreign Affairs Council

18/01/2016

Implementation Day of the Iranian nuclear deal, which happened on 16th January, is a turning point for security and stability in the region, but also opens new avenues for bilateral cooperation with Iran, High Representative Federica Mogherini said today,...

Libya targeted once again by terror, Mogherini expresses urgent need for unity

07/01/2016

After Thursday's suicide bombing  in Zliten, Libya, High Representative Mogherini issued an official statement to condemn the attack.  "Once again Libya has been targeted by terrible violence, once again the Libyans are mourning victims of an attack", she said.

Libya Political Agreement welcomed

18/12/2015

High Representative Federica Mogherini yesterday welcomed on behalf of the European Union the signature of the Libya Political Agreement, pledging support to the upcoming Government of National Accord.

Libya, counter-terrorism and Eastern partnership discussed by EU Foreign Ministers

14/12/2015

The developments in Libya, counter terrorism initiatives, and the EU's partnership with Eastern countries were discussed when EU foreign Ministers held their last meeting of 2015 in Brussels on Monday 14 December. The meeting was chaired by EU High Representative...

Union for the Mediterranean stresses unity & economic cooperation

26/11/2015

A total of 43 countries from Europe, North Africa and the Middle East gathered in Barcelona for a landmark Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) Ministerial meeting on Thursday 26 November. It was co-chaired by EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and...

ENP Review: stronger partnerships for a stronger neighbourhood

17/11/2015

Through its European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), the EU works with its southern and eastern neighbours to achieve the closest possible political association and the greatest possible degree of economic integration. The policy helps the EU to support and...

EU Summit makes key progress on refugee crisis

16/10/2015

The High representative Federica Mogherini reported yesterday to the European Council on the steps the Eu has already taken on the external aspects of the refugee crisis, and on the crises in Syria and Libya. Meeting into the early hours of Friday morning,...

Refugee Crisis: European Commission reports on progress

14/10/2015

Ahead of the European Council of 15 October, the Commission has put on the table a Communication describing the State of Play of the implementation of the priority actions under the European Agenda on Migration. This Communication to the European Council...

Libya, Syria and migration discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council

13/10/2015

Monday’s Foreign Affairs Council, chaired by High Representative/Vice President Federica Mogherini, focused on the top priorities of the international agenda, in particular migration, ahead of this Thursday’s European Council, as well as on Libya and Syria.

Refugee Crisis discussed at Informal Meeting of EU Heads of State and Government

24/09/2015

EU Heads of State or Government met in Brussels to discuss and decide how to deal with the refugee crisis and its root causes on 23 September 2015.

Towards a new European Neighbourhood Policy

30/06/2015

The EU carried out a consultation on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP)

EU Naval force to tackle Med smugglers set up by EU Foreign & Defence Ministers

19/05/2015

On Monday 18 May the EU took the decision to create a naval force to disrupt human smugglers in the Mediterranean which will form part of a wider approach to saving lives at sea. The joint meeting of Foreign and Defence Ministers also discussed common...

Federica Mogherini at the UN Security Council on migration crisis

12/05/2015

High Representative Federica Mogherini spoke to the UN Security Council in New York about the crisis of migrants in the Mediterranean on Monday 11th May. "We are here to share with you the urgent need to face the tragedies unfolding in the Mediterranean"...

EU leaders meet in Brussels to take action in migratory crisis

24/04/2015

EU heads of state and government met yesterday to respond urgently to the migratory crisis in the Mediterranean following the recent tragic deaths.

Voice of Libyan Women in the Libyan Political Dialogue

22/04/2015

In the framework of the UN led political dialogue process, UNSMIL organised, with support of the EU, a meeting in Tunis with women.

Migration, Libya, Yemen feature on the agenda of EU Foreign Affairs Council

21/04/2015

Migration and the crisis in Libya were at the core of the discussion at the meeting of EU Foreign ministers in Luxembourg, on Monday. Upon invitation of Federica Mogherini, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Interior...

European Neighbourhood Policy in 2014

25/03/2015

2014 sees Development in Partner Countries: Democratic Transition; Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms; Economy; Cooperation with EU on Migration and Mobility, Energy and Transport.

Africa, Libya & Syria/Iraq Strategy dominate FAC

17/03/2015

EU relations with Africa, developments in Libya and a regional strategy for Syria and Iraq and the ISIL/Da'esh threat were some of the main points during the Foreign Affairs Council chaired by the HRVP. EU Foreign Ministers also tackled international...

Mogherini addresses European Parliament on Foreign Policy Priorities

12/03/2015

Foreign policy debates were a focal point of this week's plenary meeting of the European Parliament. In almost six consecutive hours, the High Representative addressed key issues such as the murder of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov and the state...

Mogherini focuses on defence issues and fight against extremism

20/02/2015

The fight against violent extremism dominated a week which saw EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini visit Spain and Portugal, chair the informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers in Riga, and speak at the White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism.

EU foreign policy, Libya & Ukraine discussed during Federica Mogherini's Iberian visit

18/02/2015

A European perspective on foreign and security policy, recent events in Libya, the ceasefire in Ukraine and Europe's relations with Latin America were key issues when EU foreign policy Chief Federica Mogherini visited Spain and Portugal on 16-17 February....

HR/VP Mogherini marks first 100 days in office – EU priorities for global action

09/02/2015

Federica Mogherini focused her first hundred days in office on Europe's key priorities for foreign and security policy, both at home in Europe and around the globe.

This week : HR/VP Mogherini at NATO, OSCE, London Conference on Afghanistan

05/12/2014

Another full agenda for Federica Mogherini this week included attending the NATO Foreign Ministerial, meeting with US State Secretary John Kerry for the EU-US Energy Council, and participating in the OSCE Ministerial Council, among others.

A busy first week in office for new HR/VP Mogherini

09/11/2014

EU High Representative Federica Mogherini started her first week in office with a full agenda, She spoke to several EU Foreign Ministers over the phone and also had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State, John Kerry. She held several high level...

European Neighbourhood Policy – Publication of annual progress reports

27/03/2014

The EU's annual communication and reports on the implementation of its Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), released on March 27, show a mixed picture. Although 2013 has been a year of crises in some of its partner countries, reflecting political instability and...

EU Border Assistance Mission supports Libyan Customs

21/02/2014

On February 19th, EUBAM Libya attended a graduation ceremony for over 1,000 customs recruits at the Customs Training Centre in Tripoli.

Eastern Partnership, Libya, among issues discussed by EU Foreign Ministers

19/11/2013

The upcoming Vilnius summit, migration issues and the recent violence in Libya were on the agenda when the European Union's 28 Foreign Ministers met in Brussels on 18 November. The Vilnius "Eastern Partnership" Summit could be crucial in defining the...

Libya - Crisis response in 2012

31/12/2012

The crisis in Libya in 2011 erupted barely six weeks after the creation of the EEAS. However, from early on in the conflict, the EEAS played an important role in establishing and maintaining political and diplomatic relations between the EU and the Libyan...