EU to set up maritime rescue hub in Benghazi as migrant flows surge

The European Union has finalized arrangements to create a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi, according to EU Ambassador Nicola Orlando. Funded by Italy and Malta, the centre will operate under the EU naval mission Operation IRINI and was discussed at a Rome meeting attended by Rear Admiral Marco Casapieri, Malta’s ambassador Daniel Azzopardi, and Libyan army secretary-general Khairy Tamimi.

The initiative seeks to address the recent surge in migrant departures from areas controlled by Khalifa Haftar’s forces. Although the EU has historically trained the Libyan coastguard, rights organisations warn that enhanced rescue capabilities could lead to more interceptions and forced returns to a country with a record of migrant mistreatment. EU representatives maintain that cooperation with Libyan authorities is essential for maritime safety, combating smuggling, and reducing fatalities at sea.