Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council on Libya
Council conclusions
The Council adopted conclusions on Libya. The EU warmly welcomes the appointment of Ghassan Salamé as new Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, who will play a central mediation role based on the Libyan Political Agreement.
The conclusions recognises that recent violence threatens Libya's stability. The EU believes there is no solution to the Libyan crisis through the use of force. The Council reiterates its firm support to the Libyan Political Agreement and to the Presidency Council and Government of National Accord led by Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj established under it as the sole legitimate government authorities in the country. The EU calls on all armed groups to refrain from violence, to commit to demobilisation and to recognize the authorities entrusted by the Libyan Political Agreement as the only ones having the right to control Libya's defence and security forces.
CSDP actions
The Council also agreed to extend the CSDP mission EUBAM Libya until 31 December 2018. EUBAM Libya currently assists and engages with the Libyan authorities on border management, law enforcement and criminal justice with a particular emphasis on the South of Libya. The mission will also work on planning for a possible civilian capacity-building and crisis assistance mission.
The Council also underlined the importance of Operation Sophia. EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia is the EU's naval operation to disrupt the business model of human smugglers and traffickers in the Southern Central Mediterranean. The operation also has two supporting tasks, namely to train the Libyan Coastguard and Navy and to contribute to the implementation of the UN arms embargo.
Sanctions
In an effort to further disrupt the business model of people smugglers and human traffickers, the Council introduced restrictions on the export and supply to Libya of inflatable boats (dinghies) and outboard motors. EU member states will now have a legal basis to prevent the export or supply of these goods to Libya where there are reasonable grounds to believe that they will be used by people smugglers and human traffickers. The restrictions will also apply to dinghies and motors which are transiting through the EU en route to Libya. The restrictions adopted today will not prevent the export or sales of these goods when they are meant for legitimate uses by the civilian population, for instance for fishermen, who may need motors for their boats.