EUBAM LIBYA

 

EUBAM Libya

First Working Session on the White Paper
18 -21 June 2019, at Hotel Corail, Tunis

 

   

PRESENT

  
  
   

EUBAM Libya: Others:
NTBSM,

Senior Coordination Adviser ICMPD,
UNSMIL,

Commission / DG Home
French Embassy,

Italian Embassy

(For further information, see
attached participant list)

 

  

Women (EUBAM): 1 Men (EUBAM): 3
Women (Libya): 1 Men (Libya): 6
Women (other): 3 Men (other): 12

 

PURPOSE OF THE MEETING

The main purpose of the working Session was to have a first draft of the
organigram of the future Libyan Border Control Agency (BCA).

SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION

The discussion focused on the organisational structure of the new Libyan
BCA at national, regional and local level, and the text of the first four
chapters. Additionally, the terminology linked to border security and
migration, both in English and Arabic, was also discussed to ensure the
same language and a common understanding.

CHALLENGES/PROGRESS MADE

The first day was dedicated to explain the IBM model chosen by the
Libyans (Concept Note towards a White Paper) and discuss other border
agencies organisations aligned with Europeans standards. The division of
the regions was also discussed as it will be the basis to develop the
regional and local organisational structures. However, no agreement was

1(3)

achieved in this regard. During the remaining three days the
organisational structure of the new Libyan BCA, the text of the first four
chapters of the WP and the terminology linked to border security and
migration were discussed.

The main outcomes of the first Working Session are:

An agreement was reached on the definition of border security and
management related terminology, both in English and Arabic. It is
a living document and it will be updated in a needs-driven basis.
The final version of the document will be used by Frontex to draft
its glossary.

In the “Concept Note Towards a White Paper” it was planned to
merge the Ministry of Interior (Mol) and Ministry of Defence (MoD)
border security and management administrations into a Land
Border Department and a Maritime Department (under one HQ).
However, to merge the six existing administrations in the Mol (4)
and MoD (2) could create a lot of tensions and resistance to the WP
process. Thus, it was agreed to leave the merging of the six
administrations for a second phase.

According to the two phased reform approach GABS, parts of
PNFD, LBG and DCIM would be separate entities organised and
coordinated by the HQ (Land Border Department). LCG&PS and
GACS would be also organised and coordinated by the HQ
(Maritime Department). They will also report to the HQ following
their respective chain of command. Under the umbrella of the new
organisation they should focus on operational matters and be
relieved of most of their administrative duties. The latter will be
transferred to the new headquarter.

The structure and organisation of the new headquarter (envisaged
for the first phase) was also agreed (first draft). Two new
departments at HQ level will be established. These two
departments are: A central operative coordination and information
centre, staffed with officers from the six Mol and MoD
administrations, and an Air Wing Support Department (AWSD).
The AWSD will coordinate all air assets belonging to the new BCA.
These assets will be operationally deployed among the border
management administrations.

The incorporation of the Customs Administration, particularly its
enforcement responsibilities, into the new organisation was heavily
debated but with no final agreement (It could be a topic for future
discussions).

In the margins of the working session DG NEAR requested a meeting
with the representatives of NTBSM, ICMPD and EUBAM to provide an

2(3)

update on the EUTF funding. DG NEAR fully supports the drafting of the
WP and it is ready to provide funding by signing the second phase of the
SIBMMIL project. Thus, ICMPD will be able to continue supporting the
WP process. However and as condition to financially support ICMPD, DG
NEAR requested ICMPD to take on-board the establishment of a training
institution (Academy/College) for the proposed new BCA. Such a training
institution was already envisaged and extensively discussed between
NTBSM and EUBAM when drafting the concept note towards a white

paper.

FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS

v Prepare and send an invitation for the next working session with
the team leader and two of the relevant English spoken team
members of NTBSM (30 June - 7 July 2019)

v Prepare and send an invitation for the follow-up session (14 - 19
July 2019)

  

v Follow up with the Arabic translation of the
terminology and shared with FRONTEX.

3(3)