05 June 2025
A note from the Italian delegation to the Council of the EU, on cooperation with Libya on migration control. A translation of Council document 9744/25, LIMITE, 5 June 2025. Intended to inform discussion at the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting on 13 June 2025. The text below is auto-translated from the source language; the original document is not being reproduced to protect sources.
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Brussels, 5 June 2025
9744/25
LIMITE
JAI 29
MIGR 198
ASIM 46
RELEX 696
MAMA 122
NOTE
From: Italian delegation
To: Council
Subject: External dimension of migration - Libya
This agenda item emphasises the difficult situation in Libya and its consequences, including for migration flows to Europe, and proposes a discussion at EU ministerial level to identify options for an EU response.
Libya plays an important role along the central Mediterranean route: The stability of the country remains crucial to prevent further migration crises and their possible instrumentalisation by opposing actors.
However, the situation in Libya remains unstable and the ongoing and increasing political, economic and security instability is exacerbated by the recent clashes.
The already fragile institutional framework has become even more unstable and there is a concrete risk that ongoing efforts and cooperation between Libya and the European Union in the field of migration management could be jeopardised. The ability of Libyan institutions to implement and maintain migration-related measures - such as the coordination of search and rescue operations, reception conditions or voluntary return schemes - could be seriously jeopardised.
Even before the outbreak of the recent clashes, there were signs that migration dynamics could increase again. According to operational data, around 47,400 departures from Libya to the EU were recorded in 2024, a slight decrease compared to around 52,400 departures reported in 2023. However, a clear change was observed at the beginning of 2025: Since 20 April 2025, the number of arrivals from Libya has increased by 40% compared to the previous year, and 93% of all crossings on the Central Mediterranean route now originate from the Libyan coast - compared to 55% in the same period in 2024.
The recent escalation of violence has already affected operations on the ground. For example, the number of voluntary returnees assisted by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) decreased in May due to difficulties in operating charter flights from Mitiga International Airport.
Based on these trends, it is clear that there is an urgent need for renewed reflection at ministerial level on how to respond to the current situation. A stable Libya is a prerequisite for a sustainable EU migration policy, also against the background of the new migration and asylum package.
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