Intervening better: Europe’s second chance in Libya

On the 16 May 2016, foreign ministers from Europe, the Middle East and the US gathered in Vienna to discuss how to support the new Government of National Accord in Libya.

In this paper from ECFR the author argues that the West’s focus on fighting ISIS only added to the chaos, as some countries backed factions that opposed the new government. This government was the best chance of stabilising Libya, stemming refugee flows and pushing back ISIS, and Europe should focus on supporting it – even at the risk of clashing with allies such as Egypt.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on Libya. EU mulls expanded naval mission in Libya http://www.europeansources.info/record/council-conclusions-on-libya-eu-mulls-expanded-naval-mission-in-libya/

EU: EEAS: EU Relations with Libya http://eeas.europa.eu/libya/index_en.htm

The Local.it, 09.05.16: Italy announces diplomats' meeting to end chaos in Libya http://www.thelocal.it/20160509/italy-announces-diplomats-meeting-to-end-chaos-in-libya

ESO: Background information: EU readies for massive migration flows from Libya http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-readies-for-massive-migration-flows-from-libya/

ESO: Background information: EU, US urge swift Libya handover http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-us-urge-swift-libya-handover/

ESO: Background information: Letter From Tripoli http://www.europeansources.info/record/letter-from-tripoli/

EU: EEAS: Statement, 16.05.16: Ministerial Meeting for Libya Joint Communique http://eeas.europa.eu/statements-eeas/2016/160516_01_en.htm

EU: EEAS: Statement, 16.05.16: Doorstep remarks by the HR/VP Federica Mogherini at the Ministerial meeting for Libya in Vienna http://eeas.europa.eu/statements-eeas/2016/160516_02_en.htm

The Guardian, 16.05.16: World powers prepared to arm UN-backed Libyan government http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/16/world-powers-prepared-arm-un-backed-libyan-government

BBC News, 16.05.16: Libya: US backs arming of government for IS fight http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-36300525

EurActiv, 17.05.16: UN proposal would ask EU ships to enforce Libya arms embargo http://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/un-proposal-would-ask-eu-ships-to-enforce-libya-arms-embargo/

EUObserver, 17.05.16: [Opinion]: EU plans for Libya risk crossing migration 'red lines' https://euobserver.com/opinion/133440

Euro|Topics: Debates, May 2016: How can peace be established in Libya? http://www.eurotopics.net/en/159169/how-can-peace-be-established-in-libya

ECFR: A quick guide to Libya’s main players, 2016 http://www.ecfr.eu/mena/mapping_libya_conflict

ECFR: Podcast 23.05.16: ECFR’s World in 30 Minutes: The Vienna talks on Libya and Syria http://www.ecfr.eu/podcasts/episode/ecfrs_world_in_30_minutes_the_vienna_talks_on_libya_and_syria

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