Beach mission for EUBAM Libya

(BRUSSELS2) Approximately 12 million euros, on an annual basis, to add to the 26 million euros for the first year, that is starting to be expensive for a mission — the border assistance mission (EUBAM Libya) — whose efficiency and activity are close to zero!

Started with a little delay, and some difficulties, this mission had a laudable and interesting objective: to help the Libyans better control their borders, whether in the north - to prevent migratory flows along the maritime borders - or in the south and the west - with a dedicated focus on fighting terrorism and crime. Primary mission. However, as soon as it got started — some scouting and a short training session lasting a few days — the mission came to a halt. The security situation in Libya forced the mission, which had barely started its activities, to withdraw to Tunis and Malta. It was last July. Since... nothing!

Teleworking for a defense mission... original

Officially, the mission continues its activities in order to prepare a possible return to Libya, keeping in contact with its interlocutors. The workforce has been significantly reduced, particularly in terms of security. Some agents have been placed in "teleworking" a very original modality for a defense and security mission, comment some specialists in the matter. It's a bit like “the beach in Tunis” ironically European diplomats.

Millions of euros wasted

We could laugh about it. But when we know that the budget for this mission until May 2015 was around 26 million euros. And that, even by reducing the workforce, the mission will always cost more than 12-14 million euros, on an annual basis, there is reason to wonder. A question that is all the more necessary since European budgets are currently evolving under a certain constraint. The margin available in the "CFSP" budget (foreign and security policy) is now only 16 million euros (once all the planned expenditure has been made, not counting any reimbursements to be expected).

And an Olaf investigation

It should also be noted that an investigation by OLAF (Anti-Fraud Office) was conducted on the award of certain public contracts awarded within the framework of EUBAM Libya, asking the European Commission and the European Diplomatic Service to take certain measures. All of this is a bit much perhaps. And action is needed...

Comments : We already knew about the "ping pong" mission (EUFOR Libya - read: The inglorious end of an operation), here is the "beach" mission. Even an ardent defender of European action in terms of stabilization and peacekeeping will be forced to recognize this. We can't go on. This type of mission, at a standstill, undermines European credibility at the same time as it constitutes a source of waste of money. It seems quite possible to stop the costs while keeping the legal framework of the EUBAM Libya mission, in case the situation improves.