On Saturday, the European Commission categorically refuted allegations of supporting human traffickers in Libya. These accusations were leveled in the wake of the tragic refugee shipwreck off of Greece, which resulted in the deaths of at least 78 migrants.
Responding to the ship disaster, Eric Mamer, the Spokesperson for the European Commission, stressed that their mission is not in aiding the smugglers in Libya but rather, it is firmly dedicated to fighting against them.
The European Commission’s dismissal of these allegations comes after the leak of a document dated June 9th, implying that there has been pressure applied on the European Union (EU) to extend its border observation mission, known as EUBAM, in Libya for another two years.
The document suggests that the proposed extension is designed to enhance the capabilities of Libyan authorities and associated local agencies to manage their borders more effectively.
Notably, among these agencies are the Libyan Coast Guard and the Agency for the Prevention of “Illegal” Immigration, both of which have been accused by the United Nations (UN) in a previous report of working hand-in-hand with human traffickers.
The EU Border Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM) was first set up in May 2013. The mission is part of the broader EU efforts to support Libya during its democratic transition, following the fall of the Moammar Gaddafi regime in 2011. The goal of the mission is to support the Libyan authorities in improving and developing the security of the country’s borders.
In the wake of the Libyan crisis and the ensuing civil war, human smuggling, and trafficking activities have escalated significantly. Libya has been a primary departure point for many undocumented migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe.
The European Commission, as the executive branch of the EU, oversees the application of EU law, negotiates international agreements, and adopts initiatives and decisions. The allegations of supporting smugglers in Libya pose serious questions about its role and effectiveness in managing the migration crisis.
The leaked document dated June 9th has further complicated matters. It suggests pressures being exerted on the EU to extend its EUBAM mission in Libya. Critics argue that extending the mission might indirectly support the activities of groups involved in human smuggling, including the Libyan Coast Guard and the Agency for the Prevention of “Illegal” Immigration, which were previously accused by the UN of collaborating with human traffickers.
In response, the European Commission has denied these allegations, underlining its commitment to fighting against human smuggling in Libya and strengthening the country’s border management. The issue remains at the center of a broader debate on the EU’s strategies for addressing the migration crisis.