Malta yesterday urged further EU action in the North African region during a Foreign Affairs Council meeting.

Malta’s EU Permanent Representative Marlene Bonnici attended the meeting held in the morning, where participants discussed some of the EU’s external relations including the situation in the southern neighbourhood, specifically Tunisia, Libya and Egypt. Malta welcomed the EU efforts but urged further action in the region. Ambassador Bonnici noted the prevalent challenges, adding it was important that the EU remained engaged in the region.

Libya was one of the countries discussed in this context, with ministers being briefed on preparations for a civilian Common Security and Defence Policy mission to support border management in the country.

A sea borders expert from the Armed Forces of Malta will participate in this mission.