EU Delegation Suffers Diplomatic Fiasco in Libya: Haftar Sends European Officials Packing!
On Tuesday, Magnus Brunner, EU Commissioner for Migration, led a delegation of high-ranking EU officials, including representatives from Italy, Malta, and Greece, aiming to coordinate a plan to stop the influx of migrants from North Africa. However, instead of success, they were met with a cold reception – Brunner was declared persona non grata in Benghazi and was literally kicked out of the territory controlled by warlord Khalifa Haftar, known for his close ties to Russia.
What happened?
The delegation first visited the UN-recognized government in Tripoli, western Libya, then proceeded to Benghazi in the east, controlled by Haftar. The EU team insisted on meeting exclusively with Haftar, refusing to meet other officials of the eastern Libyan administration, which the UN does not recognize. Haftar, however, refused to receive the delegation under the conditions they set and made it clear he would not meet with members of the Benghazi government.
This sparked a diplomatic crisis – the EU initially claimed it would not meet with Haftar’s people, then changed its stance, but Haftar stood firm and sent them home. Italian officials highlighted that the meeting was canceled at the last minute due to the “excessive zeal” of some European officials, while Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis emphasized that the trip to Libya was organized by the Commission, not Athens, and that there were organizational issues and breaches of diplomatic protocol.
Why does this matter?
Migration from North Africa to Europe is one of the EU’s key challenges, especially amid voter concerns about border security. The failure of this mission not only jeopardizes plans to control migration but also seriously damages the EU’s credibility as a global actor capable of managing crises.
What does Brussels say?
A spokesperson for the European Commission stated that the EU will continue to maintain open communication channels and work with all involved parties in a team approach. However, it is clear that this diplomatic debacle is a major blow to the EU, especially at a time when it faces numerous internal and external pressures.
Haftar and Russia – a dangerous combo?
Khalifa Haftar, the warlord controlling eastern Libya, is known for his ties to Russia, which further complicates the situation. The EU has tried to engage with the official government in Tripoli, but Haftar’s control over Benghazi and his powerful military position pose a serious obstacle to any progress.
Conclusion
This diplomatic fiasco is a clear signal that the EU must take the migration problem more seriously and cannot ignore the complex local political dynamics in Libya. If the EU fails to find a more effective approach, it risks losing trust not only in Libya but also among its own citizens demanding security and border control.
What do you think? Did the EU naively step into the Libyan political labyrinth, or is this just the start of a bigger diplomatic chaos? Share your thoughts – maybe together we can find a way out of this mess!
Source: Index.hr, B92.net
