EU opens talks with Libya on formal relations

Libya and the EU will today start official negotiations on an agreement that will establish the framework of relations between both sides.

Libya is the last country in the southern Mediterranean which has no contractual relations with the EU, and has recently boycotted the newly set-up Mediterranean Union.

Although this agreement is important for Malta, particularly in relation to illegal immigration and energy, these negotiations are expected to take years and there is no guarantee conclusions will ever be reached.

The EU's attempt to negotiate a fisheries agreement in 2003 and open talks on combating illegal immigration were resisted by Libya and no agreement was ever reached.

Similar negotiations by the EU Borders Agency, Frontex, for Libya to take part in its surveillance operations on the central Mediterranean route, also failed.

Despite this scenario, the EU is keeping a positive outlook on the possibility of reaching an EU-Libya Framework Agreement.

Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations, yesterday said the start of these negotiations were long awaited since the EU's 2004 decision to lift the sanctions against Libya and to start a policy of engagement with this country.

"We are keen to establish a clear, long-lasting legal framework to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with Libya," she said. According to the EU, the future agreement, if concluded, will have a potential for the development of cooperation, opening the way for a strong political partnership and to the increase in trade and investment between Libya and the EU.

Nationalist MEP Simon Busuttil welcomed the start of these negotiations but insisted that migration should be high on the agenda.

Dr Busuttil, who is also vice-chairman of the European Parliament's delegation to Maghreb countries, said immigration was key as the EU was still awaiting Libya's first sign of cooperation after more than three years.

"Libya's full cooperation is necessary for Europe to tackle the influx of illegal immigration in the central Mediterranean region and to shut off once and for all a route that is exploited by criminal networks," he said.

"On the other hand, the EU needs to show understanding of Libya's position, since Libya itself is facing difficulties as a result of the influx coming through its vast desert borders in the south.

"Cooperation on immigration can, and should therefore be mutually beneficial. It could be a win-win situation," he said.