European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has raised alarm over the growing number of irregular migrants entering Europe via Libya, stating that 93% of illegal border crossings into the EU now originate from Libyan territory.
In remarks quoted by the Italian news outlet EU News, von der Leyen stressed that migrant departures from Libya remain alarmingly high, with most individuals categorized as undocumented or irregular migrants.
The Commission President noted a 7% rise in illegal crossings through the central Mediterranean route, and a dramatic 173% surge in arrivals to Greece from eastern Libya—figures she described as deeply concerning.
To address the situation, von der Leyen announced that European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner will soon visit Libya to meet with authorities in both eastern and western Libya, as part of a new EU push to expand cooperation on irregular migration control.
She emphasized the EU’s intent to work with Libya under what she called a “Team Europe approach”, aimed at strengthening border management, disrupting human smuggling networks, and coordinating legal migration channels, including work visa frameworks.
Von der Leyen also highlighted the need to ensure protection for migrants, alongside voluntary return programs to their countries of origin, noting that long-term stability depends on shared responsibility and strategic partnerships with key transit countries like Libya.
