The European Union (EU) has signalled its intention to take a tougher stance with Libyan authorities following a significant rise in irregular migration across the Central Mediterranean route.
EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner announced plans to travel to Libya next week, accompanied by government officials from Greece, Italy, and Malta, to press for stricter controls on migrant departures.
Brunner revealed details of the upcoming mission during a meeting in Athens with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
“That is a question that bothers us quite a lot at the moment. Libya is, of course, at the top of the agenda, and we’re travelling together to Libya next week because we have to be fast, I think, and firm,” he said.
The planned visit follows a 48% increase in illegal border crossings along the Central Mediterranean route in the first two months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This route, connecting North Africa to Europe, remains one of the most heavily used and perilous migration corridors.

During the visit, the EU delegation is expected to urge both the UN-recognised Government of National Unity in western Libya and the rival eastern administration led by Khalifa Haftar to take stronger action to prevent migrant boats from departing Libyan shores.
Despite ongoing conflict and reports of human rights abuses, Libya continues to serve as a key launching point for migrants attempting to reach Europe.
The issue has become increasingly pressing following a string of deadly incidents, including the 2023 sinking of a fishing boat carrying migrants from Libya to Italy off the Greek coast, which claimed hundreds of lives.
According to the International Organisation for Migration’s Missing Migrants project, 542 migrants have been reported dead or missing in the Central Mediterranean since the start of 2025, raising alarm among EU member states.
In response to the latest surge in crossings—particularly towards the southern Greek island of Crete—Greece has announced plans to deploy warships to international waters in the Mediterranean to bolster patrols and support maritime security efforts.