Italian PM Urges EU to Prioritise Libya's Stability
Speaking before the Italian Chamber of Deputies ahead of the upcoming European Council summit, Meloni emphasised that Libya's stability is a 'decisive factor' in curbing the flow of illegal migrants and combating illicit activities tied to human trafficking.
She warned that criminal networks thrive in regions where state authority is weak or absent. 'These groups take advantage of instability and institutional fragility to fuel uncontrolled migration routes and illegal economies, posing a direct threat to European security,' she said.
Meloni also cautioned against growing geopolitical interference, pointing specifically to Russia. 'There is a real risk that Moscow could exploit the current instability in Libya to strengthen its influence in the Mediterranean region,' she stated.
The Prime Minister announced that Italy will raise this issue at the European Council, urging EU partners to pay closer attention to what she described as a 'dangerous dynamic.'
'In light of the ongoing decline in European presence across the Sahel in recent years, Italy supports a flexible and pragmatic approach that puts our shared strategic interests at the core of EU policy,' Meloni concluded.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: European UnionGiorgia MeloniItalylibyamigration
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Libya Review
3 hours ago
- Libya Review
Libyan Official Calls to End External Interference in Libya
Salama Al-Ghuwail, Head of the Competition and Anti-Monopoly Council, has warned that Libya is currently governed by conflicting structures, describing the situation as a 'state managed by two governments, a dual economy, and clashing legitimacies.' In a post on his official Facebook page, Al-Ghuwail criticized the role of international actors, stating: 'The international community is deepening the division.' He stressed that the only path to stability is through a unified Libyan leadership that puts an end to the game of external interference. 'There is no solution without a Libyan-led authority that reclaims sovereignty and rebuilds the state based on national ownership and public participation—not on political spoils,' he said. Al-Ghuwail's remarks come at a time of growing domestic frustration with the ongoing political stalemate and international inaction, as Libya remains split between rival administrations in the east and west. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: economylibyaLibyan EconomySalama Al-Ghuwail
Libya Review
a day ago
- Libya Review
UN Calls for Urgent Mine Clearance in Libya
On Thursday, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), in coordination with the Italian government and other international partners, held the first meeting of the Libya Mine Action Support Group in Tripoli. The meeting focused on expanding protection for Libyan civilians from landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), which remain a deadly threat in many parts of the country. The initiative aims to improve coordination among donors, close urgent funding gaps, and streamline mine action efforts by identifying Libya's highest-priority needs. Participants emphasized the need for sustainable international support, including mine clearance operations, victim assistance, and awareness campaigns. UN Special Representative Hanna Tetteh stressed that mine action is more than a technical process. 'It's not just about removing explosives—it's about restoring dignity, protecting lives, and creating hope,' she said. 'What Libyans cannot afford is more contamination, more fear, and more loss. The country needs stability, not more explosive risks.' Landmines and UXOs remain widespread in Libya due to years of armed conflict, particularly around Tripoli, Sirte, and former frontlines. These hidden dangers continue to claim lives, block safe returns for displaced families, and delay reconstruction efforts across urban and rural areas alike. Italy, a leading donor to Libya's mine action programs, reaffirmed its commitment to long-term cooperation. Italian representatives pledged continued support for capacity-building, equipment, and coordination to help local partners respond more effectively to the threat. The Libya Mine Action Support Group is intended to serve as a coordination mechanism that brings together technical actors, humanitarian organizations, and international donors to ensure mine action efforts are effective and targeted. UNSMIL and its partners warned that failure to act will only prolong civilian suffering and hinder Libya's path to recovery. The meeting concluded with a renewed call for international funding and political will to prioritize demining as part of Libya's broader stabilization and peacebuilding efforts. Tags: ItalyLandminelibyatripoliunsmil
Libya Review
2 days ago
- Libya Review
Italy Denies ICC Violation Over Libyan General's Release
Italy has defended its actions regarding the brief arrest and release of Libyan General Osama Najim, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. In a 15-page report submitted to the Hague-based court, the Italian government claimed it had acted 'in good faith' and did not violate its obligations to the ICC, according to Italian news agency ANSA. General Najim, also known as Almasri, was arrested by Italian authorities in Turin on 19 January under an ICC warrant. However, he was released two days later and flown back to Tripoli on a state flight, sparking international criticism. The report seen by ANSA argues that the arrest warrant issued by the ICC contained 'uncertainties' and that the prosecutor lacks the authority to interpret Italy's domestic legal framework. The ICC had requested clarification from Rome in February on why Najim was not handed over and why he was not searched or had his possessions seized. The Italian government responded by stating that the ICC prosecutor's role does not include evaluating breaches of cooperation or interpreting national laws. Najim is accused of committing serious crimes against migrants in Libya since 2015, including torture, rape, and murder of victims as young as five years old. His release was authorised by a Rome appeals court after Italy's Justice Minister Carlo Nordio failed to endorse the arrest. Despite the ICC's efforts, Italy maintains that its handling of the case was lawful. The controversy has raised fresh concerns over international cooperation in cases involving war crimes and accountability in Libya. Tags: iccItalylibyaOsama Najim
