The European External Action Service (EEAS) recommended extending the mandate of EUBAM Libya until 30 June 2023, with a budget of 67 to 70 million euros, in a document dated 19 February to the ambassadors of the Member States meeting within the Political and Security Committee (PSC) and obtained by EUROPE. The current mandate will end on 30 June 2021.
“Extending EUBAM’s mandate for at least 2 years would send a strong signal of the EU’s commitment to contribute to peace and stability in Libya and allow the necessary time to focus on its core mandate and adapt to any new tasks that might come its way”, the EEAS says.
The EEAS proposes to amend the mission’s mandate, adding a second strategic objective. Thus, “within the scope of its core areas of engagement (law enforcement, border management and criminal justice)”, the mission “is to contribute to the UN-led efforts for the peace process in the country”.
EUBAM Libya will also maintain its initial objective of assisting the competent Libyan authorities “in the building of state security structures in Libya (...) with a view to contributing to efforts to disrupt organised criminal networks involved in smuggling migrants, human trafficking and terrorism (in the country) and in the Central Mediterranean region”.
For the diplomatic service, EUBAM is also to coordinate with the maritime operation Irini and the EU Liaison and Planning Cell (EULPC) and “to seek the best means of cooperation and mutual support, as well as with CSDP missions and operations in the Sahel”. It must also coordinate, “for the same purpose and as appropriate”, with other EU actors engaged in Libya, including EU-funded projects. The mission should also continue the implementation of the relevant Civilian CSDP Compact commitments and its dialogue with the Libyan authorities in order to reach an agreement on the status of the mission (SOMA).
According to the EEAS, EUBAM Libya has so far achieved tangible results in the areas of border management, law enforcement, criminal justice, strategic coordination, and the promotion of human rights and gender equality. It has gained confidence and credibility with its main Libyan interlocutors and has “successfully” coordinated with the EU, the UN, Member States and others. However, the mission continues to face challenges due to institutional weaknesses beyond its sphere of influence.
Activities requiring multi-agency and inter-ministerial action have been undermined by inconsistent or divergent views on the Libyan side. The mission’s support was limited to the Government of National Unity (GNA), which prevented it from exploring the possibilities of supporting other relevant Libyan non-state actors in areas not or poorly controlled by the GNA, including in eastern and southern Libya.
Furthermore, the Diplomatic Service believes that the full redeployment of the mission to Tripoli, “taking into account the security, health and political situation”, should be a major short-term objective, conditions permitting, while maintaining, initially, an auxiliary office in Tunis (Tunisia).
Following an outbreak of violence in the Libyan capital in April 2019, the mission was relocated to Tunis, and then, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the majority of staff were relocated to their home countries, where they telework.
However, “at the time of writing this report, EUBAM has increased the presence of its staff in Tripoli, including the interim Head of Mission and operational staff”, the document states. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)