Ana Gomes (S&D) is a co-author of parliament's resolution on the situation in Libya
Libya is descending into chaos and the EU cannot just watch and wait. Solidarity towards the Libyan people must translate in active support for the efforts of Bernardino Leon, recently appointed special representative of the UN secretary general, to promote a ceasefire among warring parties and to bring them to the table in an inclusive dialogue for national reconciliation and governance.
But we should not overlook that violence in Libya is not only perpetrated by tribal and rival militias - often linked with organised crime, trafficking oil, people, drugs, arms - but is also instigated from Kaddafist outposts and extremist forces with a destabilizing agenda for the region.
"Can we in the EU stay watching and be accomplices, by continued inaction, for a descent into hell in Libya which directly threatens our own security" - Ana Gomes
The country may be on the verge of becoming a failed state and a sanctuary for terrorist networks at the EU's doorstep, despite (or exactly because) it is a resource rich country still producing and exporting oil.
An internationally-concerted effort to help restore basic governance in Libya must encompass a strategy aimed at disarming the militia and training centrally-commanded security forces, both police and military, which can effectively secure the country in a region plagued by terrorism and organised crime. The EU must urge and participate in such international efforts, which should also involve neighbouring countries. The EU border assistance mission cannot really be effective if centrally commanded security structures do not function in Libya. The EU must coordinate member states contributions in this field, duly integrating them in a proper common security and defence policy mission.
What goes on in Libya is dramatically impacting on Europe: the spiralling violence is pushing ever more people on to our shores, thousands daily facing death in treacherous journeys in the Mediterranean. When will we have a truly European policy to save lives and tackle migration and the flow of refugees? Can we in the EU stay watching and be accomplices, by continued inaction, for a descent into hell in Libya which directly threatens our own security.
Charles Tannock (ECR) is a co-author of parliament's resolution on the situation in Libya
Parliament's resolution on Libya is welcomed in so far as it casts light on a dangerous situation that is no longer seen on the front pages, but more concrete actions are still needed. Since the overthrow of the Gaddafi regime three years ago by a Nato led coalition including EU member states, the country has been plagued by warring militias fighting for control and influence in a conflict that is increasingly being coloured by tribal loyalties and alternate political visions.
With the recent fall of Tripoli to Islamist forces, the legitimate government of Libya is now effectively in internal exile, with ministers working and living on a ferry moored off the coastal town of Tubruq. In this void other non-state actors have begun to fight Islamist forces in what can be said to be a further proliferation in the number of militias operating throughout the country - already said to be in the thousands.
"EU member states need to consider measures aimed at preventing the flow of money and arms to Islamist forces within Libya and to examine ways of offering support to the legitimate government of Libya" - Charlie Tannock
This comes as Islamist forces, fighting in collaboration with terrorist groups such as Al Qaida in the Maghreb, strengthen and consolidate their power and are boosted by the receipt of financial, military and political support from external countries like Qatar and Salafist charitable donors in the Gulf.
In the context of an increasingly volatile region in the southern Mediterranean and as a near neighbour of the EU's external borders, Libya has the potential to pose threats as both a safe haven for terrorist groups and to put great pressure on EU member states' borders as refugees from Libya seek to escape to nearby Greece and Italy.
With this in mind, EU member states need to consider measures aimed at preventing the flow of money and arms to Islamist forces within Libya and to examine ways of offering support to the legitimate government of Libya. A failed state on the EU's Mediterranean borders is not an acceptable outcome.
Javier Couso Permuy (GUE/NGL) is a co-author of parliament's resolution on the situation in Libya
The European parliament insists on ignoring reality: the intervention of 2011 was the beginning of this tragic situation. Nato's offensive was not intended to defend the Libyan people, but to destroy a country that could counterbalance western influence in the north of Africa. Small entities in permanent sectarian strife are more interesting than a strong Libyan state, with a sovereign management of its natural resources.
"The European parliament insists on ignoring reality: the intervention of 2011 was the beginning of this tragic situation" - Javier Couso Permuy
I consider that it is the African Union, the Arab League and neighbouring countries - like Algeria - the entities that should intervene in order to promote a ceasefire and dialogue among the contentious groups. The goal should be a comprehensive process for a viable and united Libya. In my view, that is the way to stop the eagerness of foreign powers and transnationals in the area. The European parliament should provide its assistance for these kind of initiatives. At the same time, the EU institutions must immediately change their policy against refugees from north Africa. Persons should not be returned to Libya or other countries if there exists a risk to their lives.
Tamas Meszerics (Greens/EFA) is a co-author of parliament's resolution on the situation in Libya
The situation in Libya should be of most grave concern for all of us. Major fighting is going on throughout the country, notably in and around Benghazi and Tripoli. The ensuing humanitarian crisis needs to be addressed and we should be deeply concerned by the wide range of human rights violations.
"The response of the EU and the member states to the developments in Libya from 2011 onwards has been grossly inadequate" - Tamas Meszerics
In fact Libya is on the verge of total collapse three years after the overthrow of Gaddafi. The sinking of 500 migrants this week off the coast of Libya is a terrifying testimony to the dramatic situation in and around the country. We cannot close our eyes to this human tragedy.
The response of the EU and the member states to the developments in Libya from 2011 onwards has been grossly inadequate. The EU has a consistent record of underperformance and un-coordinated approach. It is high time the EU got its act together and developed a comprehensive and effective strategy to help the Libyan people and get the political process back on track.
We need to give our full support to the UN-led efforts and give all our assistance to key areas, notably that of migration, the rule of law, mediation, and support to civil society. We should make full use of the available tools, such as the instrument for stability and peace. The future EU high representative Federica Mogherini needs to put Libya at the top of her priorities. We Greens also call for more transparency in the oil business, which continues to thrive in this worrisome context.