EU expands migration cooperation with eastern Libya through new funding

The European Union has signed an additional €25 million ($29 million) in funding to expand migration cooperation into eastern Libya, according to a letter from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to EU leaders, seen by Reuters.

While the EU formally recognises 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 Haftar in eastern Libya have risen."Libya remains the top country of departure for illegal crossings to the EU," von der ​Leyen wrote, describing an upcoming EU-Libya meeting as a ​way ⁠to keep cooperation going.