Eubam Libya on track. Formalized next week… (Maj)
(BRUSSELS2) It took more than two years after the start of the Western offensive in Libya for the European Union to finally launch a border assistance mission (EUBAM Libya). If this mission had been ardently requested by certain countries, it had aroused the reluctance of several others (the United Kingdom in particular) believing in particular that the Libyan government was not consolidated. The official position of the EEAS was aligned with the latter position. Finally, the political evolution in Libya (the constitution of a government) but also the security evolution with the increase in the terrorist threat around this country (In Amenas attack in Algeria, jihadist and Tuareg offensive in Mali in particular ) convinced the most reluctant of the need to quickly complete this mission.
The decision framing this mission has been ready for several weeks (as readers who are members of the Club already know, EUBAM Libya, the draft decision is ready. Details). The budget is adopted and the head of mission designated. In fact, all that is missing to formally adopt this text and therefore enable the deployment of the mission is a “part” external to the European system: an OK from Westminster. We are indeed awaiting the opinion of the British parliamentary committee on European questions. The decision would then be ready to be adopted next week.
According to our information, the mission will have a short-term objective: “ help the Libyan authorities build the necessary capacity to improve security at Libya's land, sea and air borders and a longer term goal: define a broader integrated border management strategy ". The mission will be commanded by a Finn, Antti Hartikainen, and a Briton should be his deputy. It should start in June for a period of 24 months. With a budget of 30,3 million euros, it will have approximately 165 staff: 83 staff seconded by Member States, 27 international contract workers and 54 local contract staff (+ the head of mission).
(Updated Wednesday 22 May) The decision is expected to be adopted by written procedure on Wednesday 22 May.
Read also:
- Finn appointed head of EUBAM Libya mission
- The “borders” mission in Libya will take a decisive step (Maj)
- A European mission in Libya? Without rushing!
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