Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell i Fontelles on behalf of the European Commission

8.11.2022

The European Union Integrated Border Management Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM Libya) has recently drafted a project plan on the Technical assessment of communications/IT equipment (Global Maritime Distress Safety System-GMDSS), to support the Libyan maritime law enforcement agencies in developing an enhanced Command and Control capacity and improve Search and Rescue capabilities and response.

The European External Action Service (EEAS) is not in the position to provide information about the extent to which the GMDSS is used by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres as the MRCC is not operational yet.

The Mission plans to support the Libyan authorities in developing full awareness and understanding of the condition of their GMDSS, following a three-fold approach: increasing the efficiency of Libyan maritime law enforcement agencies deployed in the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre; increasing the capability of surveillance, search and rescue operations and tackling illicit cross-border activities; developing intra‐ and interagency cooperation and coordination.

Currently, EUBAM Libya does not have a Working Arrangement with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). In accordance with Article 68(1)(j) of Regulation (EU) 2019/1896[1], such arrangement could be concluded in order to promote European integrated border management standards, situational awareness and risk analysis.

• [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32019R1896