Libyan PM meeting Donald Tusk ahead of Malta Summit

Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj will be heading to Brussels on Thursday where he will hold talks with the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk.

The talks come ahead of the Malta Summit, during which EU leaders will meet on Friday to discuss measures to stem irregular migration from Libya to Europe.

Tusk, currently in Paris meeting French President Francois Hollande, today urged the heads of state and government to agree on “concrete operational measures”, to curb the flow migrants trying to sail on smugglers’ boats from the North African country to Europe.

At #MaltaSummit we must agree concrete operational measures to stem irregular migration from Libya to Europe.

— Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) January 31, 2017

Earlier this month, Sarraj was in contact with High Representative Federica Mogherini, during which they discussed the political and security situation in Libya and the support that the European Union provides to the Government of National Accord and to the Libyan people.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat is convinced that the European Union needs to reach a deal with Libya, which is similar to the EU-Turkey agreement.

"There is no doubt that unless the essence of the Turkey deal is replicated in the central Mediterranean, Europe will face a major migration crisis," Muscat has said.

MaltaToday has reported that the Maltese government is mooting the idea of striking a deal with other North African countries such as Algeria and Egypt.

Government sources have said that any deal with Libya “must include strong investment and an aid package, while technical assistance should also be provided” – a suggestion that raises the prospect of money for Libya and the possibility of European coastguard patrols placed just outside Libyan waters to take part in the interception of migrant boats.