The future of the European Union’s military operation, “Irini” (EUNAVFOR MED IRINI), designed to enforce a United Nations arms embargo against Libya and combat irregular migration, is increasingly uncertain. Reports suggest the internationally recognized Government of National Unity in Libya, based in Tripoli, may not renew the invitation that underpins the UN mandate for the operation.
According to sources within the EU, a recent meeting between high-ranking EU representatives and the Libyan government on June 1st failed to yield significant progress on extending the mandate. Despite offers from Brussels, Tripoli reiterated its reservations regarding a renewal. The UN mandate for “Irini” was previously extended only for six months, until November, representing a compromise reached after the Libyan government initially opposed a longer extension.
EU diplomats have noted that the potential termination of the operation could facilitate the activities of human traffickers in the region and contribute to increased migration flows from Libya towards Europe. The operation, involving 23 EU member states, began in spring 2020 and also aims to prevent illegal oil shipments and provide training for the Libyan Coast Guard and Navy.
Reasons behind Libya’s resistance to extending the mandate remain unclear to European officials. Speculation suggests that both the Government of National Unity and the rival administration in eastern Libya, aligned with General Khalifa Haftar, may be financially benefiting from human smuggling. Further complicating the situation are concerns that the enforcement of the arms embargo might disadvantage certain factions within the ongoing conflict for control of the country and its valuable oil resources.
Brussels is considering the possibility of continuing the operation through an EU decision, potentially without the UN mandate or Tripoli’s invitation. However, this would restrict operations to beyond Libya’s 12-mile coastal zone, limiting its effectiveness in combating irregular migration. Internal EU disagreements regarding a new mandate are also anticipated, with Italy reportedly seeking broader authority for ship inspections.
Currently, approximately 850,000 migrants and refugees are residing in Libya, with an additional 90,000 arriving since June 2024. The increase in migration, particularly affecting Italy and Greece, has prompted a temporary suspension of asylum applications for migrants arriving from North Africa via the Mediterranean. EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, recently visited Libya with several EU Interior Ministers, although a meeting with Haftar was denied.