Libya and EU Affirm Continued Coordination to Combat Migrant Smuggling and Human Trafficking

Tripoli, May 23, 2026 (LANA) – The European Union affirmed its support for Libya's efforts to develop an effective, coordinated, and humane management of migration and border issues, in accordance with international standards and human rights principles.

This came during the eighth meeting of the EU Technical Mission on Rights-Based Migration and Border Management, held in Benghazi, with the participation of representatives from relevant Libyan institutions.

The Head of the EU Delegation to Libya explained in a tweet on his official page that the meeting included representatives from the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DGEM), the Directorate-General for the Middle East and North Africa (DGMENA), the EU Border Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM Libya), and the EU Naval Operation Irini.

The European official commended the efforts of Libyan authorities across the country to improve migration management, in accordance with the state's sovereign responsibilities, reiterating the European Union's commitment to supporting these efforts and ensuring their compliance with international standards and human rights.

He noted that participants reviewed the progress made and the challenges remaining during the meeting and agreed to strengthen dialogue and enhance close cooperation with relevant UN agencies on several key issues.

Areas of cooperation included supporting land border management and security, conducting search and rescue operations to protect lives at sea and in the desert, including the establishment of a maritime rescue coordination center in Benghazi, strengthening cooperation in combating migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks, supporting voluntary humanitarian return programs, and providing humanitarian protection for migrants and refugees.

Both sides affirmed their commitment to continued communication and intensified dialogue and joint coordination to support Libya's efforts to develop a comprehensive and humane system for migration and border management, with the support of the European Union.

=Lana=