On 15 July, Government of National Unity (GNU) Minister of Interior (MoI) Emad Trabelsi met in Brussels with EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in combating irregular migration and human trafficking networks. The discussions centred on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Libya and the European Union to address critical cross-border security challenges. Key topics included border security management, combating illegal migration along the Mediterranean transit route, and dismantling the criminal human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks.
Trabelsi emphasized the GNU Ministry of Interior’s commitment to enhancing its partnership and coordination with the EU in a manner that supports security and stability, while strictly respecting Libya’s national sovereignty and protecting mutual interests. He underscored that international cooperation and continuous coordination among partners are vital for confronting cross-border security challenges. Additionally, the discussions touched upon capacity-building programs and improving the operational capabilities and efficiency of Libya’s Interior Ministry personnel.
Brunner commended the Libyan Ministry of Interior’s efforts in maintaining security and combating illegal migration. He reaffirmed the European Union’s ongoing support for joint cooperation to serve regional security and stability, and to enhance coordination mechanisms between both sides. Brunner further highlighted the EU’s commitment to helping Libya build a comprehensive, rights-based migration management system. He emphasized that tackling migrant smuggling remains a crucial component of the shared objectives.
The same day, in Tripoli, the EU Delegation co-chaired with Libya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs the 6th Coordination Meeting of the EU Training support to Libya’s border security and management institutions (EUBMTLY) project, implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), reviewing progress on border management training, professional standards, digitalisation &human rights-based approaches.