Libya is set to play an increasingly important role in the European Union (EU)’s migration strategy as Brussels considers expanding cooperation with North African countries to curb irregular migration across the Mediterranean.
The proposal was outlined by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a letter sent to EU member states ahead of a summit in Brussels.
The document highlighted Libya, along with Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco, as key partners in efforts to strengthen border management, improve migration control, and enhance search-and-rescue capabilities along major migration routes.
European officials view Libya as one of the most important transit countries for migrants seeking to reach Europe. Its long coastline and strategic location on the Mediterranean have made it a major departure point for thousands of people attempting sea crossings toward European shores each year.
According to European data, more than 65,000 migrants departed from Libya during 2025, underscoring the country’s continued significance in regional migration dynamics.
At the same time, EU border authorities reported a decline in overall irregular arrivals during the first months of 2026, with total crossings falling by around 40 percent compared to the previous year.
Despite the decline, migration remains a high-priority issue for European governments. Nearly 12,000 migrants arrived in Italy from Libya during the first part of this year, with many originating from countries such as Sudan, Somalia, and Bangladesh.
European policymakers argue that closer cooperation with transit countries is essential to managing migration flows and addressing challenges linked to border security.
The latest initiative also comes as the EU begins implementing its new Migration and Asylum Pact, a comprehensive reform package aimed at strengthening migration management, improving asylum procedures, and enhancing coordination among member states.
