Relations with the EU/Representation at EU level

Libya was internationally isolated from 1992 by UN sanctions, but in 2007 normalised its diplomatic relations with most capitals around the world. Relations with the European Union and the international community have been transformed since the revolution. Libya has established cooperative relations with the EU in the areas of democratic transition, elections, security and assistance for civil society[1].

According to two communications presented together in 2011 by the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, A new response to a changing neighbourhood[2] and A partnership for democracy and shared prosperity with the southern Mediterranean[3] the European Union's objective in Libya is to facilitate democratic transition in order to create a stable and prosperous country. More specifically, this means promoting a broad democracy based on strong, transparent and responsible institutions, alongside a dynamic civil society.

The European Union has supported the process of transition in Libya. This support is aimed at facilitating the transition to a democratic, stable and prosperous Libya[4].

The European Union will seek an agreement with Libya (drawing on the Association Agreements concluded with neighbouring countries) in order to formalise and normalise EU-Libya relations in a mutually beneficial legal framework[5].

The GOLD (governance and local development) Maghreb programme sets out, at the initiative of partnerships for local governance and development in the Maghreb, to provide local administrations with a benchmark and operational instruments to encourage and facilitate international partnerships, in order to contribute more effectively to sustainable, fair, peaceful and democratic local development. GOLD Maghreb seeks to support local elected representatives, civil society and the private sector in the Maghreb in their efforts to promote decentralisation and integrated, participatory regional-level development in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya[6].

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton summarised the European Union's priorities in Libya as follows: "We are now here to help the new Libya develop its institutions and the civil society which will build a deep democracy respectful of the rights of everyone. Public administration, education, and resources for the civil society - in particular youth and women - will be crucial features in defining the way ahead"[7].



[1] ENP Package – Libya 2012, available at: http://www.enpi-info.eu/library/content/libya-enp-memo-2012 (EN)

[2] COM(2011) 303 of 25 May 2011.

[3] COM (2011) 200 of 8 March 2011.

[4] Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly, ARLEM annual report on the territorial dimension of the Union for the Mediterranean, 2011, available at: http://cor.europa.eu/en/activities/arlem/Documents/annual-report-2011/EN.pdf (EN)

[5] EU Neighbourhood Info Centre, available at: http://www.enpi-info.eu/mainmed.php?id=372&id_type=3&lang_id=450 (EN).

[6] Institut de la Méditerranée, Forum report "Les autorités locales et régionales dans la nouvelle gouvernance méditerranéenne", 2010, available at: http://www.ins-med.org/pdf/FRANCES3.pdf (FR)

[7] EU Neighbourhood Info Centre, "Libya: EU adopts €10 million package for education, administration and civil society", available at:
http://enpi info.eu/mainmed.php?id=27475&id_type=1&lang_id=450 (EN).​