Italy Demands Stronger EU Role in Libya
On Monday, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called for a stronger, unified European stance on Libya, warning that the country's internal instability is now a 'European problem' requiring immediate and coordinated EU action.
His remarks come just ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, which is expected to address the escalating situation in Libya following renewed clashes in Tripoli last month.
Speaking to Italian media, Tajani said that Italy is working to draw the EU's focus to Libya's fragile domestic situation. He emphasized that instability in the country threatens not only regional peace but also European security, particularly through its direct impact on migration across the Central Mediterranean route.
Tajani outlined three core objectives for the EU's involvement in Libya: to issue a renewed political warning to mobilize European engagement, to strengthen support for a lasting ceasefire, and to reinitiate a political dialogue under UN guidance, led by Special Representative Hanna Tetteh.
He also noted the importance of addressing growing Russian influence in Libya, especially in the context of recent military and political activities in the eastern part of the country.
The foreign minister's remarks follow mounting concerns in Brussels about the resurgence of violence between factions in Tripoli and what some European diplomats describe as a deteriorating security environment. Rome has positioned itself as a lead voice in urging a comprehensive EU approach to Libya, stressing that fragmented responses will only prolong the crisis.
Ahead of the EU meeting, Tajani warned that ignoring Libya's political chaos could increase irregular migration, further strain EU border operations, and fuel instability in the broader Mediterranean region.
He called on all EU member states to move beyond narrow national interests and work toward a joint solution that supports Libya's path toward national reconciliation and democratic transition. Tags: ceasefireeueuropelibyaLibyan Crisis
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Libya Review
5 hours ago
- Libya Review
Greece Urges Libya-EU Cooperation on Irregular Migration
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has confirmed the deployment of Greek naval vessels off the Libyan coast, aimed at curbing a sharp increase in irregular migration across the Mediterranean. Speaking ahead of the European Union summit in Brussels, Mitsotakis stated: 'I will brief my EU colleagues on the significant rise in the number of migrants coming from eastern Libya and call for immediate support from the European Commission to address this issue.' The Greek leader emphasized that his country seeks cooperation—not confrontation—with Libya to stem the growing tide of migrants attempting dangerous sea crossings to Europe. The move comes after recent months saw a surge in arrivals from North Africa, Sudan, and the Middle East. Mitsotakis noted that European officials—including the EU Commissioner for Migration, along with ministers from Italy, Greece, and Malta—are scheduled to visit Libya in early July to discuss joint solutions. He stressed the importance of Libyan authorities working collaboratively with European nations to tackle smuggling networks and migration flows. Commenting on Greece's naval presence, Mitsotakis clarified: 'When migrant boats are detected, we are contacted by Libyan authorities to intercept and return them to Libya.' Libya has long struggled with law enforcement and border control since the 2011 uprising that ousted longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi. A decade of factional conflict has split the country into rival eastern and western administrations, making coordinated migration efforts more challenging. Tags: euGreecelibyaMediterraneanmigration
Libya Review
10 hours ago
- Libya Review
Can Benghazi Become Italy's Main Economic Gateway to Libya?
A delegation of around 80 Italian business leaders recently arrived in Benghazi to take part in the Libya–Italy Economic Forum for Reconstruction and Development, signaling a renewed Italian interest in engaging with eastern Libya's economic revival, according to Italy's Nova news agency. The forum marked a turning point in economic engagement between Italy and eastern Libya, bringing new momentum to bilateral trade and investment. According to Nova, the Italian business leaders arrived aboard the first direct ITA Airways flight from Rome to Benghazi. The event, co-organized by the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Libyan Reconstruction and Development Fund, led by Belgassem Haftar, focused on building partnerships in vital sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, logistics, and industrial manufacturing. Benghazi, once heavily affected by conflict, presented itself as a city in transformation. Nova noted that the Italian delegation visited the newly inaugurated Benghazi International Stadium and the rebuilt University of Benghazi, both symbols of post-war recovery. The skyline of Benghazi is now filled with cranes and ongoing construction projects, with Nova describing it as a dynamic urban landscape comparable to Dubai in the 1980s or Shanghai in the early 2000s. Multiple memoranda of understanding were signed with 98 Italian companies, including major names such as Iveco, Todini, Termomeccanica, and Renco. These agreements target cooperation in sectors ranging from transport and healthcare to environmental solutions and energy management. Nova emphasized that this initiative reflects Italy's strategy of establishing long-term, high-quality business partnerships in eastern Libya. Nicola Colicci, head of the Italian–Libyan Chamber of Commerce, launched a permanent office in Benghazi during the forum, declaring Italy's intention to maintain a stable presence. 'We're not here as short-term visitors,' Colicci said. 'We want to build something lasting with Libya.' This economic forum, supported by the Libyan Reconstruction Fund, is seen as a milestone in repositioning Benghazi as a central hub for foreign investment, with Italy now rising to second place among Libya's top trade partners after China, according to Nova. Tags: benghaziEconomic ForuminvestmentItalylibyaReconstruction
Libya Review
13 hours ago
- Libya Review
Turkey Reaffirms Legality of Maritime Agreement with Libya
On Saturday, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed that the 2019 maritime boundary agreement with Libya is fully consistent with international law, amid renewed criticism from European Union officials. Spokesperson Öncü Keçeli stated in a press release that Turkey will not accept any unilateral actions that undermine its legitimate maritime rights. He emphasized that the memorandum of understanding, signed between Turkey and Libya's internationally recognized government, was legally sound and aligned with principles of international law. Keçeli denounced what he called politically motivated remarks from the European Union, asserting that such statements fail to contribute to peace or regional stability. 'The EU continues to make biased claims based on political motives rather than legal reasoning,' he said. He specifically criticised Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration, accusing them of attempting to impose maximalist claims in the Eastern Mediterranean through EU mechanisms. 'These efforts contradict international law and fairness,' he said, adding that the two governments are using EU institutions to promote national interests that infringe on others' rights. Turkey, Keçeli continued, urges the EU to act as a neutral body and to encourage its members to comply with international law, rather than taking sides in complex legal and geopolitical matters. The 2019 agreement between Turkey and Libya aimed to delineate exclusive economic zones in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, it has triggered strong objections from neighboring countries, particularly Greece, which argues the deal ignores the rights of Greek islands. Despite the criticism, Ankara insists that the deal was a legitimate response to attempts to marginalize Turkey's maritime rights in the region. Keçeli concluded that Turkey remains determined to defend its interests peacefully and legally, and to continue cooperation with Libya under the existing agreement. Tags: CypruseuGreecelibyaMaritime AgreementTurkey
