EU Delegation to Libya Seeks Tougher Migration Controls
EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner will lead a delegation to Libya to demand stricter measures following a 173% surge in migrant arrivals to Greece.
European Union Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner will lead a delegation to Libya next week to demand tougher measures to stop illegal migrant boats from departing for Europe. The mission, which includes representatives from Greece, Italy, and Malta, will meet with both the United Nations-recognized government in western Libya and rival authorities in the east.
The diplomatic push follows a sharp increase in Mediterranean crossings, with the European Commission reporting a 173% rise in arrivals. Over 5,000 people have reached the Greek islands of Crete and Gavdos since early June via a new smuggling route from eastern Libya. EU diplomats suggest Libya may be weaponizing migration to support joint political objectives with Turkey, following a memorandum of understanding between Tripoli and Ankara to conduct seismic energy surveys in disputed waters south of Crete.
In response, the Greek government has deployed two frigates to patrol international waters south of Crete to deter smugglers. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Commissioner Brunner coordinated these efforts during a meeting in Athens, emphasizing a combined strategy of deterrence and diplomacy. Greece is also considering the suspension of asylum applications for arrivals from Libya to curb the surge.
