Internal EU report exposes Libya turmoil – EUobserver
The assessment broadly echoes statements made by the UN's Libya envoy, Martin Kobler, who told BBC Newshour over the weekend that efforts to deliver services to Libyans "is getting from bad to worse."
Kobler's comments follow the EU's announcement last month to channel some 200 million into Libya-centric migration and border projects throughout much of north Africa.
It is not yet clear how much of that budget will go to the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli.
An European Commission official said on Monday (20 February) that they are still in the "identification phase".
With over 180,000 disembarking from the Libyan coast last year to reach Italy, the EU and its leadership are largely seeking to offload the problem onto the war-torn country.
The EU wants to manage the flows through the southern Libyan border and within its territorial waters by working with Libyan authorities.
Libyan border management and migration is carried out by the ministry of the interior, the minister of defence, and the ministry of finance.
The ministry of the interior is riddled with "militias and religiously motivated stakeholders," notes the report.
The ministry of defence "has little or no control of the Armed Forces."
It also oversees a land border guard force composed of 18,000 soldiers. Loyalties are mostly aligned with local battalions or other larger militias.
The EU Border Assistance Mission in Libya was also unable to gather insights into the ministry of finance "pending further research."
Of the 49,000 working for all three institutions, no more than one third are thought to be trained professionals.
The headquarters of the department inside the ministry of the interior charged with securing border crossing points is occupied by a militia.
Another department at the same ministry, in charge of 'combating illegal migration', oversees some 20 detention centres. Militia members count among its staff.
Other centres are run by armed groups, local community or tribal councils, criminals, or smugglers.
Libya has around 1,500 different militias.
"The trafficking of migrants for organs has also been reported," notes the report.
Big issues over security also remain, with carjackings and shootings in broad daylight that are reportedly common in the capital.
The report states that human rights defenders, journalists, and judges are the target of assassinations.
People who object to certain views are killed either by government forces or armed groups and this is "tolerated by the government."
Women won't approach the police out of a fear that "they could be murdered or raped".
The situation with security is bad enough that the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNCHR) doesn't send international staff.
The main police force in Tripoli is mostly composed of "legalised" armed groups.
The criminal justice system has collapsed, with prosecutors and their staff becoming the target of threats and killings across Libya.
The Libyan National Police "is dysfunctional, understaffed and under-equipped".
The issue has pushed Libya's prime minister Fayez al-Sarraj to ask for Nato's help to rebuild its defence and security institutions.
Sarraj's rival, a Russian-backed warlord by the name of general Khalifa Haftar, commands an army composed of militias and former units from the Gaddafi-era.
Haftar's role has also unsettled EU foreign ministers with Malta's government telling reporters in January that his advances towards Tripoli could trigger another civil war.
Haftar has so far refused to meet with the UN.
Asked if the EU has made any direct contact with Haftar, an EU commission spokesperson declined to comment.
Instead, the spokesperson repeated statements made by the EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini earlier this month that the EU supported efforts "to facilitate dialogue" between Sarraj and Haftar.
"I won't go further than that," said the commission representative.
Go here to read the rest:
Internal EU report exposes Libya turmoil - EUobserver
- Gaza-bound aid convoy dissolves in Libya after activists arrested at Sirte crossing, ten in custody - The Jerusalem Post - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- Al-Namroush calls for boost to military institution performance - The Libya Observer - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- National Information Technology Day in its Sixth Edition Serves as a Platform to Strengthen Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity in Libya -... - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- Saipem 7000 successfully completes the lifting of the gas treatment module for the Bouri project in Libya - Saipem - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- Tripoli based Libyan government reaffirms rejection of settlement of illegal refugees or migrants - Libya Herald - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- Economy Ministry introduces new measures to regulate import of grains and raw materials - to stabilise prices and support food security - Libya Herald - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- Libya after Gaddafi: an assassination and a country that cannot move - Defence24.com - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- Stranded in Libya and Bossaso: Somali and Ethiopian Migrants Find Safe Passage Home Amid Funding Shortfalls - FTL Somalia - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- 2026 seawater assessment reveals 17 % of Libyas beaches unsuitable for swimming warning signs to be installed and swimming to be prohibited - Libya... - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- Central Bank of Libya source to Libya Herald: US$ 3.5 bn plan launched today to cover Letters of Credit, transfers, and personal use - Libya Herald - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- Y182 Nigerians Repatriated from Libya under IOM, Government Partnership - Voice of Nigeria - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- Southern Liberation Operations Room accuses Haftar-affiliated groups of smuggling fuel through Chad to Sudan - The Libya Observer - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- Interior Minister announces closure of over 500 fuel stations linked to smuggling violations - The Libya Observer - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- Libya Tourism and Air Connectivity Advance as Tripoli-Based Medsky Airways Expands New European Network With Second Embraer E195 Regional Jet - Travel... - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- How a Gaza-bound aid convoy unravelled attempting to enter Haftar-controlled eastern Libya - Middle East Eye - May 29th, 2026 [May 29th, 2026]
- Sarkozy insists on innocence in last day of appeal trial in Libya case - Euronews.com - May 29th, 2026 [May 29th, 2026]
- Inner Circle Libya Misrata native Mohamed Raied moves on all fronts in business and politics - Africa Intelligence - May 29th, 2026 [May 29th, 2026]
- Appeal in Sarkozy's conspiracy conviction case over attempts to procure campaign funds from Libya - reutersconnect.com - May 29th, 2026 [May 29th, 2026]
- As Coast Guard focuses on Libya surge, migrants reach Crete in yacht from Turkey - eKathimerini.com - May 29th, 2026 [May 29th, 2026]
- Mali Joins Congo, Sierra Leone, Niger, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, Chad and Other Countries as the 2026 US Entry Ban Prevents African Tourist Arrivals to... - May 29th, 2026 [May 29th, 2026]
- Haftar's forces arrest Gaza aid convoy in Libya - Middle East Eye - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- The ICCs action in Libya is yielding results - France ONU - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Russia shows damaged sanctioned LNG carrier near coast of Libya - - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Licensable picture: Last Day Of Sarkozy S Appeal Trial For Illegal Campaign Financing From Libya - reutersconnect.com - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Bouri beefed up: Saipem installs hefty module offshore Libya - Upstream Online - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- 2 Italian activists of Gaza-bound aid convoy detained in Libya, may face deportation - Anadolu Ajans - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Gaza aid convoy activists beaten and detained in Libya - www.israelhayom.com - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Polish woman on Gaza-bound convoy detained in Libya - TVP World - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Menfi highlights Libyas role in founding African Union on Africa Day - The Libya Observer - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- UNSMIL warns of escalation in Zawia and calls for restraint ahead of Eid al-Adha - Libya Herald - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Malaysia Joins Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia and More Countries to Ignite an Unprecedented Surge in North African Tourism, Promoting... - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Courtesy Call on Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs ONISHI by Mr. ABUBAKR Raffa, Director of the Office of the Deputy Minister of Defense... - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Activists take part in a land convoy from Libya to bring aid to Gaza - Al Jazeera - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Libya's Haftar Fund Mobilizes 2.7 Billion to Rebuild the East - energynews.pro - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts releases its Q1 2026 Report for the Libyan Tourism Sector - Libya Herald - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Libyan United Airlines to hold Cabin Crew Recruitment days in Tunisia this June - Libya Herald - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Libya-Egypt land border restricted to citizens of both countries only, parallel government says - The Libya Observer - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Authorities bust migrant boat factory in eastern Tripoli - The Libya Observer - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- India, Libya discuss various aspects to strengthen their bilateral relations - News On AIR - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Libya Reports Robust Tourism Growth in Q1 2026 with More than One Hundred Thousand Visitors, Rising New Accommodation Occupancy and its Diverse... - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria on Libya - - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Libyas National Cancer Control Authority and AstraZeneca Libya hold first specialised oncology consultative meeting in 15 years - Libya Herald - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Between Libya and Italy: No trace of 23 Bangladeshi men for over 2 years - The Daily Star - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Libya, Turkey discuss resolving status of Turkish companies and expanding economic cooperation - The Libya Observer - May 27th, 2026 [May 27th, 2026]
- Ex-French President Nicolas Sarkozy linked to alleged funding from Libya's Gaddafi regime - Business Insider Africa - May 5th, 2026 [May 5th, 2026]
- Libya Approves First Unified National Budget in 13 Years - The North Africa Post - May 5th, 2026 [May 5th, 2026]
- Libya prioritizes Trkiye ties in upcoming deal with Greece: Source - Trkiye Today - May 5th, 2026 [May 5th, 2026]
- CBL to inject US$ 300 million into card system, authorises transfer for small traders of up to US$ 100,000 quarterly - Libya Herald - May 5th, 2026 [May 5th, 2026]
- Cuba Joins Antigua and Barbuda, Mali, Libya, Chad, Burkina Faso, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Iran and Many Other Nations in Historic UTurn as US Silently... - May 5th, 2026 [May 5th, 2026]
- Chad Joins Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Libya, Mali and Senegal in Facing Sharp Declines in U.S. Tourism as New Visa Restrictions Impact African... - May 5th, 2026 [May 5th, 2026]
- NextGeos contract with Saipem offshore Libya increased by 4-6 million - Offshore Energy - May 5th, 2026 [May 5th, 2026]
- Libya to remain open to youth initiatives, says Menfi - The Libya Observer - May 5th, 2026 [May 5th, 2026]
- Chinas Ambassador to Libya visits Benghazi on the inauguration of Chinas COSCO direct shipping line to the city - Libya Herald - May 5th, 2026 [May 5th, 2026]
- Minister of Economy approves another set of decisions regarding foreign and Joint Venture companies to support Libyas investment climate - Libya... - May 5th, 2026 [May 5th, 2026]
- Libya, "Institutions, elections, and reconciliation to overcome the stalemate." Interview with Mohamed Ahmed Elmezughi, 2026 presidential... - May 5th, 2026 [May 5th, 2026]
- NOC wins court case filed by Itrak in the state of Curaao - Libya Herald - May 5th, 2026 [May 5th, 2026]
- "Sovereignty Forum" in Tripoli rejects international mandate - The Libya Observer - May 5th, 2026 [May 5th, 2026]
- China unilaterally exempts 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations from customs duties - Libya Herald - May 5th, 2026 [May 5th, 2026]
- Wiki Loves Libya: Libyan initiative that documents the countrys heritage and introduces the world to its diversity - Wikimedia.org - May 3rd, 2026 [May 3rd, 2026]
- Air France flights over Libya causing concern to crew union other airliners have been overflying since 2025 - Libya Herald - May 3rd, 2026 [May 3rd, 2026]
- Libya signs preliminary agreement with Chevron to assess shale oil and gas resources - Reuters - May 3rd, 2026 [May 3rd, 2026]
- Libya ranked 138th globally and 9th in Arab countries in World Press Freedom Index - The Libya Observer - May 3rd, 2026 [May 3rd, 2026]
- UNSMIL calls on all Libyan parties to respect and protect freedom of expression - The Libya Observer - May 3rd, 2026 [May 3rd, 2026]
- 2 civilians killed, another injured in clashes in Libya - Latest news from Azerbaijan - May 3rd, 2026 [May 3rd, 2026]
- PM Aldabaiba inaugurates 6th African Construction & Equipment Exhibition -with several international participants - Libya Herald - May 3rd, 2026 [May 3rd, 2026]
- Libya launches 100-day plan to boost agriculture sector - The Libya Observer - May 3rd, 2026 [May 3rd, 2026]
- 38 migrants die off Libya coast, including Egyptians, Sudanese, and Ethiopians - Middle East Monitor - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Mini-Meeting discusses first two steps of Libyas UN Roadmap in its first meeting in Rome - Libya Herald - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Libya's NOC Partners with Chevron for Oil and Gas Resource Asses - GuruFocus - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Libya corruption pact: Sarkozy returns to court as his former right-hand man turns against him - Yahoo News UK - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Italys Ingegneria Informatica and Libyas Customs Authority to activate Automated Inspection Software System - Libya Herald - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Oil India reports hydrocarbon discovery in Libya - The Hindu - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Libya NOC to jointly assess exploration potential with Chevron - Oil Review Africa - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Libya reaches first unified budget deal in 13 years - Trkiye Today - April 12th, 2026 [April 12th, 2026]
- Ukrainian forces operating in Libya have attacked a Russian tanker, officials say - Inquirer.com - April 12th, 2026 [April 12th, 2026]
- International Monetary Fund warns of increasing risks threatening economic stability in Libya - libyaupdate.com - April 12th, 2026 [April 12th, 2026]
- Libya's NOC Confirms New Oil & Gas Discoveries with Eni, Repsol, Sonatrach - News and Statistics - IndexBox - April 12th, 2026 [April 12th, 2026]
- 'I'm innocent': Former president Sarkozy challenges conviction over alleged Libya funding - France 24 - April 12th, 2026 [April 12th, 2026]
- Over 80 migrants missing from boat that capsized after leaving Libya, UN says - New York Post - April 12th, 2026 [April 12th, 2026]
- US adviser welcomes Libyas first unified budget in 13 years - The Libya Observer - April 12th, 2026 [April 12th, 2026]