Analysis of the National Indicative Programme NIP (2011-2013) and Country Strategy Paper (CSP) of Libya

Grinnanailís 22-01-2010

Since the lifting of international sanctions on Libya in 2003, the EU has developed a policy of gradual engagement with Libya, which has become a continental and regional key actor in the fight against terrorism, peace and security in Africa, illegal immigration in the Mediterranean Sea, and energy. In this context, the EU’s strategy has one paramount objective: to consolidate Libya’s integration into the rules-based international political and economic system. Even though Libya is a high-income country, it often lacks clear sector strategies on which to build successful technical and financial cooperation, and its administrative structure remains weak. For that reason, the EU has strong political interests in providing assistance to Libya, in particular in areas where there is a need for joint action, where the EU has already made commitments (notably the 2007 Memorandum of Understanding) or in order to support the successful implementation of the Framework Agreement currently under negotiation. Relations with Tripoli must be intensified and simultaneously tested, since these are the first Country Strategy Paper (CSP) and National Indicative Programme (NIP) ever made so far. In particular, unlike in other Maghreb countries, precisely because the EU cooperation and technical assistance with Libya is still at the beginning, such a significant opportunity has to necessarily be accompanied by appropriate diplomatic actions, by means of regular policy dialogue between the EU and Libya on all issues covered by the NIP. EC assistance to Libya aims at tackling the following medium term challenges are: Strengthening of fundamental freedoms, human rights and good governance; Sustainable Economic Growth and Reform, Improving the quality of social services; Environment, the main concerns of which are water availability and the depletion of underground water; Modernization of the Justice System. In terms of migration management, EC assistance should aim to support Libyan au