I am glad that today in Brussels we reached agreement on the EU’s new operation to implement the arms embargo on Libya. This is an important step in our efforts to halt the flow of weapons and fighters to the warring sides in Libya and thus to implement the agreements made at the Berlin Libya Conference. Europe has now shown that it is able to act, even in times of crisis, when the stability of our neighbourhood is at stake.

There is still a long way to go before the arms embargo is implemented in full and lasting peace returns to Libya. Today we, the EU, have proven that we will not slacken in our efforts and that we will maintain the pressure on the parties to the conflict and their backers.

The coronavirus crisis should make it clear to everyone involved that the ceasefire must finally hold.