Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert, speaking about the planned meetings in Benghazi held by the European mission, which consisted of Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Bruner, the Interior Minister of Italy, the Home Affairs Minister of Malta, and the Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum, stressed that "there was a question of protocol. That is why it was not possible to hold the planned meetings."

He also mentioned that the European mission in Benghazi was scheduled to meet with the Libyan military authorities, emphasising the Commission's concern regarding the rising numbers of irregular migrants departing from Libya towards Greece. Lammert noted that the Commission is in close contact with the Greek authorities and will continue to support Greece financially and operationally. 

(Photo: commission.europa.eu)