EUBAM in Libya was established by the Council of the European Union in May 2013, and was given the mandate to support the Libyan authorities in improving and developing the security of the country’s borders. On February 15, 2015 the European Union extended the mission by six months, until August 21, 2016.
"On 4 August 2016, the Council extended the mandate of the planning mission EUBAM Libya until 21 August 2017. It also approved a budget of €17 million for the period from 22 August 2016 to 21 August 2017. As part of the EU's comprehensive approach to support the transition to a democratic, stable and prosperous Libya, EUBAM Libya is mandated to plan for a possible future EU mission providing advice and capacity-building in the area of criminal justice, migration, border security and counter-terrorism," the statement reads.
In addition, the Tunis-located mission will closely cooperate with the UN Support Mission in Libya.
Libya has been in a state of civil war since May 2014. The UN helped to bring about a ceasefire in late 2015 and on March 31 the UN-backed unity government took office in Tripoli. The government has so far failed to unite the country.
The Daesh fighters, outlawed in many countries, including Russia, maintain a significant presence in the country, including parts of the eastern city of Benghazi, eastern city Derna and the western town of Sabratha near the Tunisian border as well as in Sirte, a strategic port on the Mediterranean coast.
