Libya security high on agenda for EU foreign affairs summit
The EUs high representative for foreign affairs Federica Mogherini speaking to journalists as she arrives for the summit in Brussels yesterday. Photograph: AFP Photo/Thierry Charlier
EU leaders pledged to step up efforts to support Libya yesterday, but stopped far short of endorsing a civilian or military mission to the region.
The political situation in the north African country was discussed by EU leaders on the second day of an EU summit yesterday, following a discussion among foreign affairs ministers earlier this week.
On Monday EU foreign ministers considered plans to send a security mission to Libya if a national unity government is formed, though most member states are opposed to the idea.
The EUs High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini a former Italian foreign minister has been leading a drive to prioritise Libya as a foreign policy issue for the European Union.
Italy, which has a long colonial history with Libya, has been calling for further action to deal with the growing threat of extremism and migration in a country which is struggling to form a cohesive government since the fall of Gadafy.
Libya is also one of the main departure points from Africa for migrants escaping to Europe, most of whom make the perilous crossing across the Mediterranean sea.
Speaking after the summit, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said Maltas prime minister had made a substantial intervention on the subject during the meeting.
This is a really difficult issue. Libya has 1,700km of a sea border, two governments . . . there is no state in Libya. Clearly its a cause of great concern to the surrounding countries, he said.
It also pledged to step up engagement on counter-terrorism in the region with relevant partners.
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Libya security high on agenda for EU foreign affairs summit