
EU Official Urges Talks with Haftar to Curb Migration from Libya
Speaking to Politico newspaper, Brunner warned that Russia could weaponise migration flows against Europe, as it has allegedly done in Eastern Europe.
Brunner stated, 'We must engage in Libya, where Russia's growing influence is a major concern. There is certainly a risk that Russia could use migration as a weapon against Europe. This weaponisation is already happening, and we fear it could extend to Libya.'
His comments come amid heightened tensions, following Brunner's recent expulsion from Benghazi by authorities aligned with the eastern-based government, which declared him 'persona non grata.' Despite this setback, Brunner stressed that technical communication channels with Haftar's representatives remain functional and that Brussels is prepared to resume discussions.
EU Fears Russian Influence in Libya
European concerns focus on Russia's increasing footprint in Libya and its potential to exploit migration as leverage. Brunner suggested that future negotiations on migration might include development aid or visa facilitation for Libyans, as part of a broader diplomatic approach.
The EU's concerns have been amplified by the sharp rise in migrant arrivals to Greece from eastern Libya. Although overall illegal crossings into the EU have dropped by 20% in the first half of 2025, the Central Mediterranean route, particularly from North Africa, now accounts for 39% of irregular arrivals.
Greek Response and EU Summit
In response, Greece has suspended asylum applications for migrants arriving from North Africa for at least three months, a move criticised by human rights groups. EU interior ministers are expected to address the Libya migration crisis during an informal summit in Copenhagen today.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Libya Review
20 minutes ago
- Libya Review
Greek Military to Train Libyan Forces in Anti-Migration Efforts
Greece and the Libyan National Army (LNA) are deepening their cooperation in military training and border security, in a strategic effort to counter the growing tide of illegal migration across the Mediterranean, according to a report published by the Greek daily Kathimerini. The report states that Athens is preparing to welcome the first group of Libyan army officers and personnel for specialized training under a bilateral agreement reached between Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, and Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis. The training program will focus on equipping members of the Libyan Coast Guard with advanced skills in vessel inspection, interdiction operations, and boarding suspicious ships. It will also include search-and-rescue procedures to enhance the Libyan forces' operational readiness. In addition to training, Haftar reportedly requested Greek support in repairing aging Libyan Coast Guard vessels and supplying multi-purpose patrol vehicles. These would be deployed to monitor Libya's southern borders with Egypt and Sudan — critical routes often used by irregular migrants. The article highlights that this growing partnership signifies a marked improvement in Greek-Libyan relations, particularly with eastern Libya, following a period of political tensions. It also notes that cooperation with Turkey on training initiatives has not deterred the LNA from strengthening ties with other international partners. The report further points to a sharp rise in displaced persons arriving in Libya from war-torn Sudan, particularly along routes leading to the Mediterranean coast. This influx is increasing pressure on European nations, especially Greece, which continues to experience a surge in migrant arrivals despite implementing stricter asylum regulations and detaining new arrivals upon entry. 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: GreecelibyaLNAmigration


Libya Review
10 hours ago
- Libya Review
African Union Demands End to Foreign Interference in Libya
On Saturday, the African Union Peace and Security Council reaffirmed its firm opposition to any foreign interference in Libya, calling for an inclusive, Libyan-led political process that ensures lasting peace, unity, and institutional recovery. In its latest statement on Libya, the council underscored its unwavering commitment to the country's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. The statement praised the role of Presidential Council Chairman Mohamed al-Mnifi and his efforts in addressing national challenges. It urged all Libyan stakeholders to engage seriously in a comprehensive political process that ends the prolonged transitional period and leads to the unification of state institutions. The council emphasized that any sustainable solution must be owned and led by Libyans themselves, not imposed from abroad. The African Union also reiterated its demand for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libyan territory. Their continued presence, the council warned, undermines Libya's sovereignty, prolongs instability, and obstructs national reconciliation efforts. Support was expressed for the work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission, particularly its role in implementing the October 2020 ceasefire agreement. The council called for greater international coordination to assist in demobilization, disarmament, and the reintegration of armed groups, stressing the urgency of unifying Libya's military and security institutions under a national framework. The statement encouraged the Presidential Council to proceed with security sector reforms that ensure accountability and professionalization across all military and security bodies. It also called on regional and international partners to respect Libya's internal processes and avoid actions that could interfere with the political roadmap. As Libya remains divided and vulnerable to outside influence, the AU's position reinforces calls for a clear exit from foreign military and political entanglements. Tags: African CouncilForiegn ForcesInterferencelibya


Libya Review
2 days ago
- Libya Review
US Advisor Praises Haftar's Role in Libya's Stability
The General Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, met on Thursday in Benghazi with Massad Boulos, a senior advisor to US President Donald Trump for African affairs, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between Libya and the United States. The meeting took place at the General Command headquarters and included members of the American delegation currently visiting the country. According to a statement from the LNA's media office, the talks covered the latest developments in Libya and the broader region, with an emphasis on building future partnerships between the two countries. The discussions focused on potential cooperation in key sectors such as the economy, industry, and investment, as Libya looks to rebuild and attract international partners. Boulos praised the role of the Libyan National Army in improving security conditions on the ground, saying that stability in Libya is essential for ensuring wider security across North Africa and the Mediterranean region. He emphasized that the United States views Libya as a country with significant potential and expressed interest in expanding bilateral ties to serve shared long-term interests. The meeting highlighted Washington's growing willingness to engage with actors across the Libyan political and military spectrum, amid international calls for elections and national reconciliation. While no formal announcements were made, the tone of the meeting suggested a mutual interest in opening new channels for dialogue, especially in areas that support economic development and regional stability. Tags: benghazikhalifa haftarlibyaTrump Advisorus