Thirty-six members of the European Parliament have called on the European Commission to immediately suspend all financial, technical, and operational assistance to Libyan entities involved in managing migration, including the Libyan Coast Guard and the Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration.
In a joint letter, the MEPs cited mounting evidence of grave human rights violations committed by these bodies, warning that continued EU funding represents a misuse of public money and undermines the bloc’s credibility in foreign policy. They stressed that ongoing support threatens Libya’s fragile peace process and risks entrenching a system of abuse against migrants.
The lawmakers urged the European Union to redirect its resources towards civil society organisations and UN agencies providing humanitarian aid and protection to migrants in Libya. They also called for the creation of a coordinated EU-led maritime search and rescue mission that complies fully with international maritime and human rights law.
Additionally, the MEPs pressed Italy and other EU member states to review and, if necessary, suspend any existing migration agreements with Libya that enable or legitimise abuses.
The signatories emphasised that the EU should prioritise support for Libya’s peace and stabilisation efforts rather than continue funding entities accused of violence. They warned that persistent aggression by the Libyan Coast Guard could result in civilian casualties, including among European citizens and survivors rescued in the Mediterranean.
