The EU delegation in Libya without security. G4S persona non grata in Libya

(BRUXELLES2, exclusive) The company G4S had been selected by the European External Action Service to protect its delegation in Libya and was to start its activities on 1 June. Choice a bit hasty if we refer to the latest statements from Tripoli (Libya). This company not only does not have authorization to carry out such security activities in the country, but the Libyan authorities refuse its arrival. This is now fully officially confirmed. The Provisional Government (CNT) of Libya has indeed (May 23) sent a verbal note to the European External Action Service (EEAS) to this effect. Doubt is therefore no longer permitted. And a new tender should logically occur.

A funny security contract!

The awarding of this contract has already caused much ink to flow. As mentioned by our colleague EuObserver, preferential treatment appears to have been given to G4S. It therefore seemed rather abnormal that this company was chosen when it did not have authorization to operate, while two companies - the Canadian Guarda World and the Franco-Hungarian Argus - had this authorization. It is moreover the latter company which has until now ensured, on a provisional basis, the security of the premises. Weird...

Can we conclude that there is a kind of favoritism as argued Street89, it is doubtless premature to say so. But such levity seems difficult to explain or, at least, deserves a public explanation. Especially since G4S, which provides security for the facilities of the diplomatic service in Brussels, has not really proven its effectiveness so far (for having experienced, observed and collected it).

One can also ask the question whether the tendering system is really suitable and provides all the necessary guarantees and efficiency for delegation protection contracts which require both know-how and personal relationship.

As for the British tropism of the High Representative, I cannot believe that the nationality of her passport could have come into play, especially since normally this type of contract is rather the domain and the responsibility of the Administrative Director (Chief Operating Officer), D. O'Sullivan, an Irishman who was the Commission's General Secretary. What, on the other hand, is troubling is the presence, at several points in the decision-making chain, of Britons, in particular Mike Croll who provides security for the delegations and signed the call for tenders.

NB: This affair broke out at a key moment for several security companies, where several contracts for the protection of European installations were at stake. A coincidence! 🙂