Libya talks: EU ministers discuss supporting fragile government

Islamic Extremism

Foreign ministers from Europe and north Africa held talks in Vienna on how to provide support to Libya’s new unity government. A key focus was on international efforts to bring stability to the country, where two rival governments have vied for power since 2014.

Elena Casas has more from Brussels.

Another shipload of refugees and migrants arrives in Italy – rescued from leaky fishing boats that ran into trouble on the long and dangerous voyage from Libya. European countries are determined to reduce the number of arrivals – but existing sea operations have been criticized as ineffective in tackling the problem. Experts said they must first focus on bringing peace to Libya.

That means the EU needs to help the fragile National Unity government consolidate its control of the country.

But migration isn’t the only concern. Libya has also become a stronghold of the Islamic State, meaning European governments are starting to believe they may have to intervene further.

European and international leaders must now walk a fine line to make sure their actions in Libya help build stability rather than weaken it.