Brussels Briefing with Lorenzo Kluzer, Roderich Kiesewetter, and Wolfram Lacher
The panelists focused their debate on three issues: the EU’s current migration policy toward Libya; the stability and legitimacy of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA); and the potential role of other states in the region in mediating the conflict.
With regard to the migration crisis, participants stressed that the EU continues to commit to its principles of human rights and to make sure the Libyan authorities in the GNA understand their obligations. One speaker emphasized that the EU’s goal has been to work toward a stable and democratic government in Libya. Another discussant criticized the recently adopted Malta Declaration as inadequate in the long term; instead of putting an end to previous and largely ineffective policies, the declarations new “muscular approach” would rather worsen the already problematic conditions many migrants face.
All panelists agreed that only a stable and legitimate Libyan government could facilitate a sustainable solution to the migration crisis. Yet the country remains divided between rival governments and armed militias. As one speaker pointed out, this considerably undermines the GNA as a reliable and functioning interlocutor. A more critical participant argued that the EU was clinging to the “fiction” of a functioning Libyan government. Opinions diverged on whether EU support for the GNA was reasonable or whether the EU risks involving itself in Libya’s ongoing conflict by continuously supporting the GNA. The panelists nevertheless generally agreed on the urgent need for EU action, as the current power vacuum rules out any sustainable solution. Another speaker, pointing to the involvement of external powers in the conflict, argued in favor of a law-based approach and suggested that France, Germany, and Italy undertake a concerted effort to reinstate a functioning public order.
Participants concurred that a solution to the fragile situation in Libya requires intense mediation efforts. One discussant, describing the proliferating mediation initiatives currently undertaken by regional states, pointed out the need for a more coherent negotiating framework that would include such regional actors as Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia. The speaker stressed the urgency of preventing still greater escalation of a conflict that has such high potential for further violence. Expanding the view beyond Libya, another participant stressed the need for a comprehensive approach involving credible cooperation offers for the whole region to tackle such transnational problems as terrorism, migration, and human-trafficking.
The DGAP’s Alfred von Oppenheim Center for European Policy Studies invited the panelists as part of its Brussels Briefing series. Jana Puglierin, head of the center, chaired the discussion.
