The Head of the European Union’s Border Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM), Natalina Cea, and the Commander of the Italian Bilateral Mission of Assistance and Support in Libya (MIASIT) Rear Admiral Placido Torresi, signed a Working Arrangement to establish operational cooperation between the two Missions.
EUBAM said the purpose of the agreement is to cooperate, within their respective mandates, with a view to supporting the relevant local authorities in developing a comprehensive national security strategy, as well as assisting them in their capacity building efforts, especially in the sector of integrated border management.
Last week, EUBAM announced that it will train 25 Libyan coastguards in cooperation with Spanish national police. EUBAM said in a Tweet that it had “met the Border Guards to discuss criminal intelligence training”. EUBAM will also support the refurbishment of the LBG Training Centre.
EUBAM, the European Union’s Border Assistance Mission in the North African country, is tasked with assisting local authorities in setting up state security structures, in particular in the areas of border management, law enforcement and criminal justice.
The main objective is to dismantle organised crime networks involved in migrant smuggling, human trafficking and terrorism both in Libya and in the wider Central Mediterranean region.
Founded in 2013 at the request ofTripoli, EUBAM is part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to support the transition to a democratic, stable and prosperous Libya. The force cooperates closely with UNSMIL, the UN mission in the country, contributing to the UN’s peace efforts.
Italy plays a big part in international civil and military missions concerning Libya. Both EU missions in the country, EUBAM and Irini, are led by Italian officials.
