Algeria
Egypt
Israel
Jordan
Lebanon
Libya
Morocco
Palestine *
Syria *
TunisiaCommissioner Várhelyi attends the handover ceremony of EU-financed Search and Rescue vessels to Libya
Neighbourhood and Enlargement Commissioner Várhelyi participates at the official handover ceremony of the first of the five specialised Search and Rescue vessels to the Libyan Coast Guard.
The delivery of the boats will strengthen the partnership between the EU, Italy and Libya to address irregular migration ahead of the upcoming special European Council meeting on 9-10 February. The project was initiated and supported by the European Commission, implemented by the Ministry of Interior of Italy, and significantly financed by the Visegrád Group countries.
This project aims to help avoid the tragic losses of lives across the Central Mediterranean region by increasing the capacity of the Libyan authorities to protect the borders and fight against criminal smuggling networks. The EU’s ongoing portfolio for border management in Libya amounts to EUR 59 million. It provides the delivery of Search and Rescue vessels, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, the provision of training, repair and maintenance services, and other equipment to the Libyan authorities.
The ceremony will handover one of the five Search and Rescue vessels to the Libyan Coast Guard. It follows the recent signature of the Memorandum of Understanding between Italy and Libya, including the full respect of human rights and strict conditions and safeguards
Countries covered:
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Libya
