| The EU’s interest in post-Gadhafi Libya |
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After months of relentless fighting in Libya Moammar Gadhafi have been forced out of power, and the opposition National Transitional Council is establishing itself as the transition government of the oil rich country. With Gadhafi’s fall, eyes have turned towards the future of Libya and its assets. This has become a major focus of discussion within the international community, as numerous states seek to promote and protect their interests. During his visit in Australia, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso re-iterated the EU’s commitment, stating that it was “important to support Libya in its democratic transition and economic reconstruction”. In its Communication on a 'Partnership for Democracy and Shared Prosperity with the Southern Mediterranean', published in May, the EU identified three pillars on which to base its support in the southern neighbourhood. First to support for democratic transition and institution building, particularly focusing on human rights and the fight against corruption; secondly to support building the capacity of civil society; and thirdly to promote economic growth and job creation. While the European Commission stressed the need to support democratic transition and economic growth in Libya, several leaders of EU MS have perceived the country’s transition as a chance to strengthen EU external policies. According to French President Nicolas Sarkozy, the war in Libya has shown that the EU was “capable of intervention in a decisive way” and to actively support major allies, such as the US. “The world is changing. [US] President Obama has presented a new vision of American military engagement which involves the Europeans assuming their responsibilities”, Sarkozy stated. In the end, Europe’s aim to interact with Libya is of great interest to the country, believes Bernd Riegert from the Deutsche Welle. The oil rich country is attracting many investors from the West that are competing for the most lucrative contracts, with the support of their governments. According to Riegert “that's a good thing because without foreign firms, Libya isn't in a position to produce its own oil”. It is not only oil, according to Riegert. “The new Libyan army has to be modernized and equipped and Gadhafi's weapons and airports that NATO was forced to bomb need to be replaced. Arms companies from around the world are gearing up for big business”. As companies scramble to secure profitable contracts aided by their governments a stark war there is a warning that Europe should not only look out for business but actively contribute to the creation of a functioning state. “Given its experience, the European Union should seize the chance to steer the North African country carefully to democracy without imposing conditions on it — which, just as in Iraq or Afghanistan, won't work”, Riegert concludes. Read the full article here: Deutsche Welle - World Sources:  |
