Tripoli — The European Union’s ambassador to Libya, Nicola Orlando, has insisted the Union has no intention of resettling migrants in the country, stressing its support for Libya’s new national mechanism for voluntary humanitarian return.
Speaking at the interior ministry’s high‑level conference on illegal migration, Orlando said Libya and the EU shared the same goals on migration management and border protection, noting “significant progress” in cooperation since the start of 2024.
He underlined that Brussels is working to strengthen Libya’s capacity to control land and sea borders, dismantle human‑trafficking networks and expand voluntary return operations in line with international standards. “The EU does not target the settlement of migrants in Libya,” he said, adding that such a move would run counter to the wishes of both sides.
The envoy praised Libyan authorities for their efforts to rescue migrants at sea and in the desert, and welcomed the interior ministry’s initiative to launch a national voluntary return mechanism in coordination with migrants’ embassies. He said the EU was following the scheme closely and viewed its early results as “promising.”
Orlando noted that the EU had already provided direct humanitarian support through the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), including relief supplies for migrants. He added that Brussels was considering expanding its backing for the programme alongside joint efforts to achieve 16,000 voluntary returns this year.
He also announced the conclusion of the EU’s SibMil programme after eight years, confirming that a new initiative would begin in January to strengthen Libya’s capacity in managing land borders and improve cooperation against cross‑border crime, while continuing support for maritime border monitoring.
The ambassador renewed his call to allow the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM), UN agencies and international organisations access to disembarkation points and migrant centres to operate under Libyan law. He congratulated the interior ministry on what he described as “an important initiative” and concluded: “You can count on the European Union.
