Council conclusions on Libya

1.       The EU fully supports the Libyan Political Agreement that was signed on 17 December 2015. It welcomes the formation of the Presidency Council, presided by Fayyez al-Sarraj. The EU recalls the endorsement of the Rome Communiqué of 13 December 2015 by the Security Council through Resolution 2259, adopted unanimously on 23 December 2015. The EU and its Member States will support the Government of National Accord (GNA) as the sole legitimate government of Libya and urges all Libyan institutions, including financial and economic ones, to accept the authority of the GNA. The EU recalls that Resolution 2259 calls upon all UN Member States to cease support to and official contact with parallel institutions that claim to be the legitimate authority but are outside of the Agreement as specified by it.

2.       The EU underlines Libyan ownership of the political process and the importance of its continued inclusiveness, including through the continued participation of women, civil society, political and local actors. The EU strongly encourages all parties in Libya to seize this opportunity to endorse the Agreement and participate in the process. Those who hamper the implementation of the political agreement shall be held accountable.

3.       The EU commends the work of and reaffirms its full support to the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General.

4.       The EU calls for the timely adoption of the amendment of the constitutional declaration of 2011 and urges the Presidency Council to form the GNA, to be approved by the House of Representatives as foreseen in the Libyan Political Agreement. The EU welcomes the decision to establish a Temporary Security Committee to facilitate the implementation of the security arrangements outlined in the Libyan Political Agreement and calls on all Libyan actors to support and collaborate with the Committee. It underlines the urgent need to finalize the security arrangements for Tripoli.

5.       The EU strongly condemns the recent terrorist attacks in Zliten and against oil installations in Libya, and all attempts to disrupt the stabilisation of the country. These attacks and the growing presence of Daesh and other extremist groups underline the urgent need for the implementation of the Libyan Political Agreement and particularly for the formation of the GNA as the only way for Libya to take the path of peace, stability and prosperity, and to tackle effectively the threats and challenges to Libya, including terrorism and human trafficking, while preserving its unity. The EU stands ready to support Libya in the fight against violent extremism.

6.       The EU and its member States reiterate its full commitment to support Libya and to accompany the full implementation of the agreement, working in close partnership with the GNA once it is formed.  The EU has a package of immediate and substantial support totalling 100m€ in a number of different areas.  The implementation and pacing of individual actions will be prioritised in close coordination with the Libyan authorities as discussed by the High Representative together with the Presidency Council in their meeting of 8 January 2016. The EU will continue to provide aid through humanitarian organisations in a principled manner as well as short-term assistance to the direct benefit of the Libyan population in need; improved security conditions on the ground would facilitate its provision.  The EU is also ready to consider support to the Libyan authorities, should they request it, in security sector reform, notably through training and advice.

7.       The EU calls on all parties in Libya to ensure unhindered humanitarian access and security of humanitarian aid workers in order to facilitate the assistance and protection of civilians in need. The EU calls for further efforts to address the worsening humanitarian situation. In this regard the EU welcomes the UN humanitarian response plan.