Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called on European leaders to place greater focus on Libya and its neighbouring countries, stressing that their stability is vital for addressing irregular migration and tackling criminal trafficking networks across the central Mediterranean.
Speaking before the Italian Chamber of Deputies ahead of the upcoming European Council summit, Meloni emphasised that Libya’s stability is a “decisive factor” in curbing the flow of illegal migrants and combating illicit activities tied to human trafficking.
She warned that criminal networks thrive in regions where state authority is weak or absent. “These groups take advantage of instability and institutional fragility to fuel uncontrolled migration routes and illegal economies, posing a direct threat to European security,” she said.
Meloni also cautioned against growing geopolitical interference, pointing specifically to Russia. “There is a real risk that Moscow could exploit the current instability in Libya to strengthen its influence in the Mediterranean region,” she stated.
The Prime Minister announced that Italy will raise this issue at the European Council, urging EU partners to pay closer attention to what she described as a “dangerous dynamic.”
“In light of the ongoing decline in European presence across the Sahel in recent years, Italy supports a flexible and pragmatic approach that puts our shared strategic interests at the core of EU policy,” Meloni concluded.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
