Displaying items by tag: libya

Over the weekend, beyond the harsh exchanges between Athens and Ankara over the Turkey-Libya Memorandum — which the EU condemned as illegal — negative signals also emerged from Eastern Libya. The “Prime Minister” of Benghazi, Osama Hamad, expressed support for the memorandum, while MPs in Tobruk announced plans for a parliamentary vote to ratify it, possibly within the week.

Greece has long struggled to establish a consistent Libya policy — dating back to the Gaddafi era, and especially after his fall, which left Libya a failed state. This absence of strategy cost Athens dearly in 2019 with the signing of the Turkish-Libyan maritime memorandum, which remains a major obstacle in Greek-Turkish relations.

Today, the fragmented landscape in Libya — not just between East and West, but also within the Tripoli-based factions — creates an explosive situation. In this climate, various actors seek foreign patrons and protectors, presenting Greece with serious diplomatic challenges.

Turkey and Libya have signed a new agreement for hydrocarbon exploration in contested waters south of Crete, a direct response to Greece’s own energy plans and a move that significantly escalates tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

A mission to Libya in an effort to stem migration was announced by EU Commission  head Ursula von der Leyen in a letter to the 27 leaders.