BRUSSELS — The European Union has confirmed plans to establish a Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi as part of its strategy to manage migration along one of Europe’s busiest routes. The announcement was made by EU Ambassador to Libya Nicola Orlando, who emphasized the role of this initiative in enhancing maritime safety while curbing migrant arrivals.
Libya, where control is split between rival western and eastern factions, has been a major transit route for migrants attempting a dangerous sea crossing to Europe since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi.
The funding for the Benghazi center comes from Italy and Malta and will operate under the EU’s naval mission, Operation IRINI.
“We finalized the procedures to establish a Maritime Rescue Coordination Center in Benghazi under Operation IRINI, with funding from Italy and Malta,” Orlando said in a post on X.
Over the last year, more and more migrant boats have been leaving from eastern Libya, mostly in the hope of making their way towards the Greek islands of Crete and Gavdos. Almost 20,000 migrants arrived on the island of Crete during the course of 2025, according to UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) data. This was almost half of all those arriving by sea.
The decision was disclosed following a meeting in Rome, attended by key figures including Commander of Operation IRINI Rear Admiral Marco Casapieri, Malta’s ambassador to Italy Daniel Azzopardi and General Khairy Tamimi, secretary-general of the command of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, showcasing the international support behind this development.
The EU and its member states have long supported and trained the Libyan coastguard, which intercepts migrants at sea. While the EU formally recognizes only the Tripoli-based government, it has stepped up contacts with authorities in eastern Libya since last year as migrant departures from areas controlled by military commander Khalifa Haftar in eastern Libya have risen.
The proposed Benghazi center has drawn scrutiny from rights groups, who argue that strengthening Libyan maritime capabilities could lead to more interceptions of migrant boats and returns to Libya, where the United Nations and rights organizations have long documented abuses against migrants and refugees.
EU officials say cooperation with Libyan authorities is necessary to improve maritime safety, combat smuggling networks and reduce deaths at sea.
Source: Saudi Gazette