Valletta — The European Union’s Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, has said Europe has “no alternative” but to negotiate and cooperate with Libya, despite criticism of the Libyan coastguard over alleged human rights abuses. He stressed that building a stronger relationship with Tripoli is essential to reducing illegal migrant crossings.
Brunner explained that Malta’s close ties with Libya have been pivotal in shaping wider EU–Libya cooperation. He pointed to a sharp fall in arrivals to Malta — from 2,281 in 2020 to 238 in 2024 — following a secret migration coordination deal signed with Libya five years ago. Over the same period, interceptions by the Libyan coastguard rose by 230%.
His remarks came in an interview with the Times of Malta ahead of the ninth MED5 summit of Mediterranean states — Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta and Spain — where leaders are set to discuss the EU’s new migration pact. The agreement, due to take effect in June 2026, includes an annual solidarity fund to support member states under direct migration pressure.
The commissioner said the pact would give Europe greater control over migration management, enabling governments to decide who enters and who leaves the bloc, rather than leaving decisions to smugglers and traffickers.
Commenting on recent diplomatic incidents, Brunner insisted Malta’s relationship with Libya had not been affected. He underlined the need to maintain dialogue and build strong partnerships despite allegations, to manage migration flows and safeguard regional security.
