Following the successful revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt, citizens of Libya have been calling for democratic transition since February 2011. For almost two months, the European Union has been invisible and quiet on the Libyan case at the exception of several irrelevant statements delivered by the High Representative Ashton.
It is only on April 1st, 2
011, that the Council adopted a decision to launch a EU military operation in support of humanitarian assistance operation in response to the crisis in Libya, named EUFOR Libya. The Council’s decision only established the legal framework of the mission. The decision to launch it will only occur later on after the approval of the operation plans and the rules of engagement.
EUFOR Libya will conduct a military operation supporting humanitarian assistance in the region based on two aspects: first, to conduct safe movement and evacuation of civilians; second, to assist other humanitarian agencies on the ground.
This decision to deploy an EU military operation in Libya comes very late in the process. Thus, its small budget of 7.9 million euros is an evidence of the lack of trust by EU Member States in the relevance of the mission. Once more the EU will launch a relatively small operation, with limited role, and low political risks.
The revolts in North Africa and now the Middle East have been extremely damaging to the credibility of the EU as a relevant international actor and to the development of the EEAS. As argued by José Ignacio Torreblanca, HR Ashton disappeared from the frontline and has been absolutely irrelevant in her role of EU foreign minister. HR Ashton cannot be entirely blame for the failure of the EU to act especially when Member States, like France and the UK, are trying to redeem themselves as world powers on the international stage.
Nobody said that the creation of a common EU foreign and security policy would be an easy task. Historically, European integration has evolved thanks to crises. As explained by Mr. Lorenzo Bini Smaghi, member of the executive board of the European Central Bank, “Europe is evolving, growing, continuing on its path of integration. This is not happening, however, according to some pre-defined, agreed plan, but rather in response to the challenges it faces, which in some cases are likely to endanger the very existence of the Union.” Let’s just hope for the best!
