Statement by President Antonio Tajani on the conclusion of his visit to Libya 

"The Libyan people are asking Europe to speak with one voice, with one message strengthening the coordination of all the efforts under way. In accord with Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, we will organise a working day on Libya on 10 October at the European Parliament in Brussels, together with the High Representative for Foreign Policy, Federica Mogherini. This meeting will bring together all the parties interested in the various sectors of cooperation and in the organization of future democratic elections in Libya. We want elections to be held in Libya, serving as the starting point for reconciliation and common efforts based on democratic consolidation, proceeding towards economic stability and support for reconstruction," declared the President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani at the end of his official visit to Tripoli.

“With today's visit, I wanted to underline the importance of strengthening relations between the EU and Libya. The stability of this country is essential for the stability of Africa, the Mediterranean and Europe itself. For this reason, we must work together to promote more economic growth and security for the Libyan people and to strengthen institutions, public services and the health service,” added President Tajani.

“The Union is ready to invest more in the framework of the refinancing of the Trust Fund for Africa just decided at the last European Council. It is now imperative for Libya to firmly follow the path towards elections. These are essential steps for the future of this country.

“As agreed with the President of the Libyan Electoral Commission, the European Parliament is ready to provide all the necessary assistance for the proper conduct of the vote, in cooperation with MEPs and election observers,” added President Tajani.

“Libya, like Europe, also suffers from uncontrolled migration. We cannot tolerate to see any more people dying in the desert or at sea. This is why more EU resources are needed for cooperation in strengthening control over the southern borders and for coastguard operations.

We must also intensify the untiring struggle against human traffickers and arms-smugglers. I have made a proposal to put together a blacklist banning those responsible for these criminal activities,” declared Tajani.

“To be truly effective, our strategy should address the root causes of migration flows. To this end, we need a Marshall plan for Africa in the next EU budget. We need to dedicate at least 40 billion euro to mobilise 500 billion in total investment. Our objective is to lay the foundation of a manufacturing industry in Africa, capable of creating jobs and wealth in those same countries, giving a future to young Africans.

"I will strive to make sure that a substantial part of these resources are used for Libya. But that's not enough, we have to do more. I have said this clearly to the EU Heads of State and Government at the recent summit in Brussels. We need to commit at least six billion euros to invest in the Mediterranean in the coming years. Next week I will be in Niamey in Niger, where I will also meet the Presidents of the Parliaments of the Sahel countries to discuss these issues,” concluded the President of the European Parliament.

Note to editors

Six different support programmes for Libya have already been deployed within the European Trust Fund for Africa, amounting to 237 million euros.

Schools, hospitals, kindergartens and police stations are being reopened. These funds also serve to train teachers and provide basic services.

Last week, an additional 29 million euro in funds were made available to help vulnerable migrants in Libya. Moreover, an additional 500 million have now been allocated to the Trust Fund.

The European Parliament is fully committed to the stabilization process in Libya: last month, it adopted a recommendation defining a complete framework for action and, on 23 May, a delegation of MEPs visited the North African country