The European Union (EU) is planning to reopen its embassy in Libya pending security conditions, officials announced on Tuesday.
There are however no assurances so far, as any move will have to depend on improved security in the conflict-rid country.
EU leaders are expected in Brussels on October 19 for a summit, where they will announce that they “encourage work underway to rapidly establish a permanent EU presence in Libya.”
The EU relocated its mission from Tripoli to neighbouring Tunisia in mid-2014 as security worsened in the North African country.
Rival factions had intensified war in an attempt to gain control of the country following the 2011 ouster and killing of long-serving leader Muammag Gaddafi.
Of the 28 EU states, only Italy, the country’s former colonial master, has an embassy in the country.
With two governments operating in Tripoli and Tobruk, the United Nations officially announced their recognition of the Fayez Seraj government only.
The situation in Libya has created a haven for jihadists and people smugglers. The country has become the preferred departing point for people seeking to reach Europe through the Mediterranean Sea.
The EU has however financed equipped and trained Libya’s border and coast guards, in a bid to curb the migrants flow.
