EU official says talking to Haftar is needed to curb Russia in Libya

EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner told Politico Europe must engage with Khalifa Haftar, the powerful commander in eastern Libya, to counter Russia’s expanding footprint in the region.

Speaking at a summit in the Bavarian Alps, Brunner warned that Moscow’s influence could turn Libya into another front for using migration as a tool against Europe.

“Russia’s growing sway in Libya is exactly why we need to talk with all sides,” he said, adding that Europe fears Russia could weaponize migration from Libya as it allegedly has via routes through Poland and Lithuania.

Brunner’s recent visit to eastern Libya ended abruptly when his delegation refused to pose for photos with Haftar’s ministers, highlighting the diplomatic tightrope Western officials face. Most European countries do not formally recognize Haftar’s Benghazi-based administration but worry isolating him could worsen migrant flows toward Italy and Greece.

Brunner stressed that dealing solely with the UN-backed government in Tripoli is no longer realistic. The U.S. is also adjusting its stance, with President Trump’s special advisor expected to meet Haftar this week to secure deals that protect Western interests and manage migration pressures.