Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice-President of the European Commission announced that the EU will deploy its Electoral Expert Mission to Libya, ahead of the 24 December elections.
During his meeting with the Deputy Head of the Presidential Council, Musa Al-Koni, Borrell affirmed the EU’s readiness to support the holding of Libya’s Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
He explained that the EU is keen to find the most effective ways to support cooperation between Libya and its Sahel neighbours, improve border management, and allow the withdrawal of mercenaries, non-state actors, and foreign forces from the country.
Borrell added that Libya has a clear opportunity to build a stable and prosperous future.
The EU official indicated that Libya is an important partner of the union, which is looking forward to greater bilateral dialogue on peace, reconstruction, and stabilization in the country.
Earlier, EU Spokesman for the Middle East and North Africa, Luis Miguel Bueno stressed the need to hold the December elections as scheduled, in accordance with the UN roadmap.
In statements to Sky News Arabia, Bueno explained that the EU adopted a legal framework to impose sanctions on persons and entities found to be obstructing the elections, based on the UN Security Council Resolution No. 2571 of 2021.
He confirmed the EU’s support for the Libyan High National Election Commission (HNEC), with a project worth €11 million euros. It will be providing technical support and assistance in capacity building. He also reiterated the EU’s readiness to mobilize all resources to accompany Libya during what he described as “a complex process.”
Bueno highlighted the EU’s support for the participation of women, youth, and vulnerable groups in the upcoming elections. He emphasised the need to resolve the conflict in Libya through a comprehensive process owned and led by Libyans, in order to restore the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.