On a visit to Libya on Wednesday 4 October for the first time in 25 years, the European commissioner for neighbourhood policy, Johannes Hahn, pushed for urgent action in the economic domain, alongside the political process taking place under the auspices of the UN.
"Alongside the political action, there are urgent economic actions that are needed to restore the economic situation", "practical measures to diversify the economy", he said (in 2013, oil revenue accounted for 70% of Libya's GDP). "In recent years, Libya's enormous economic potential has been undermined by turmoil", Hahn stated.
The commissioner said that the EU had already made €300 million available to Libya. This includes €120 million for 37 projects in civil society sectors, governance, health, education and youth, migration and protection, support for the political process, security and mediation, support for migrant-related projects (around €162 million) and about €30 million in humanitarian aid since the start of the crisis. Hahn also announced that Libya could benefit from the EU's new External Investment Plan, which is expected to enable €44 billion to be raised in private investment, alongside public investment, in Africa and the EU's neighbouring countries. "We want to be the number one partner in the stability of the country, (and a) support for job creation and the activities of SMEs", he said.
Hahn stated that the EU would do its utmost to improve its relations with Libya and to create an "equal partnership". "We would like to see Libya in international fora again, as a strong economic partner", he said.
He also announced that the EU would offer study grants for young Libyans to be able to study in Europe.
While he focused his speech on economic aspects, Hahn nevertheless also recalled the EU's support for the ongoing political process being led under the auspices of the UN. In Hahn's view, "given the difficult economic and humanitarian situation, we have no time to lose". "I hope the ongoing negotiations will finally lead to the end of the conflict and help the country make further progress", he said. He added that this would take place alongside the Libyan people in each step of the process. "An end to the conflict is needed – as is the capacity for dialogue and a peaceful solution", he said, adding that this meant it was necessary to develop democratic structures. "The EU strongly supports (...) the country's increased development and stabilisation, so that it can recover the standard of living, security and stability it had in the past", he said. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)