Libya will not be joining the EuroMed process but is disposed to cooperate with the EU in the fight against illegal immigration and human trafficking in the Mediterranean.
This position was made clear during a meeting held in Tripoli between EU Justice, Freedom and Security Commissioner Franco Frattini and Libya's President Muammar Gaddafi.
The EuroMed process is an initiative between the EU and North African Mediterranean countries aimed at boosting cooperation on political, economic and social isues.
The need for more cooperation between the EU and Libya was raised at the European Parliament this week by Nationalist MEP Simon Busuttil, who asked the Commission to give a progress report on the negotiations between the two sides to devise an action plan on fighting illegal immigration. Dr Busuttil reiterated the need to have this action plan in place as soon as possible.
Mr Frattini told Dr Busuttil that, unfortunately, during his talks with Colonel Gaddafi, it became clear that Libya has no intention of joining the Barcelona process. He said that this would have made it easier for the EU to develop ties with the Libyan authorities in a common fight against illegal immigration.
He said Libya's adhesion to the EuroMed process would also have meant direct financial help to the North African country to cope with its severe problem of controlling its vast borders.
Mr Frattini said that Brussels is currently studying new avenues through which to develop a relationship with Libya under the current EU rules which are not guided by any legal framework.
He said the EU's intention is to help Libya better manage its southern borders which are considered to be the main cause of the influx of thousands of sub-Saharan Africans into Libya from where they then depart by sea across the Mediterranean to Europe.
Mr Frattini said that Libya declared its intention to cooperate on this matter and the EU will be sending a mission to the southern Libyan borders in the coming weeks to study the situation closely and devise a cooperation action plan.