MEP: Member states are neglecting action plan for Libya

Member of the European Parliament, Marietje Schaake wants the EU member states to take robust actions regarding the crisis in Libya. Today, the Foreign Affairs Council discussed in Luxembourg the current situation. "The High Representative and the foreign affairs ministers have not done more than stating their worries. Last month the European Parliament adopted a resolution that called for concrete action, including negotiating and monitoring a cease fire and building up democratic institutions. The crisis in Libya affects Europe directly, only expressing concern is too little." Crisis Schaake  explains that the crisis in Libya is a direct threat to the EU. "Europe cannot afford to let Libya deteriorate further. The enormous flows of refugees and the rise of terrorist groups are an acute risk. On top of that, prolonged instability harms Europe's economic interests." Schaake: "The problems are not limited to Libya. We see that in the entire region more and more crises arise, to which the EU has to find an answer. It is the EU´s backyard. Nevertheless, from Syria to Egypt and from Libya to the Middle East Peace Process, the EU is not showing enough leadership. " Global role of the EU Schaake hopes that the incoming High Representative will do more to formulate a vision and strategy regarding the problems in North Africa and the Middle East. "The designated successor of foreign policy chief Ashton, Federica Mogherini, stated in her hearing that the refugee crisis would be one of her priorities. I hope she sticks to this promise and will make sure that the EU becomes a stronger foreign policy actor on the world's stage."