Malta's role in EU/MENA relations since the Arab spring : a case study of Libya

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify Malta's role in EU/MENA relations since the Arab Uprisings of 2011. Since this revolutionary wave, the state of relations between the EU and this neighbouring region, has shifted significantly. Since the research project is focused on Malta's role, a case study of Libya, Malta's closest MENA neighbour was adopted in order to best illustrate this. The author asks the following research questions: How did the Arab Spring impact EU/MENA relations? What is the extent of the decline of Libya and what challenges is it currently facing? What is Malta's ongoing role, in relation to recent developments in Libya, and how has this impacted EU/MENA relations? Qualitative research through elite interviews and literature-based research is employed in order to answer these research questions. The findings assert that the conflict and instability in the MENA region has stalled progress in the process of transition. It was also observed that the EU has struggled to maintain a unified front with regards to its policies in the Mediterranean region, due to the contrasting foreign policy aims of its member states. Through the case study of Libya, the author details the causal factors and main elements of the Libyan revolution. The lack of political freedoms and basic human rights, as well as a rejection of the atrocities committed by the 42-year long regime of repression of Gaddafi, are considered to have been the main causes of the Uprising. Throughout the Libyan revolution Malta showed its support for the Libyan people by acting as a humanitarian hub, successfully carrying out an evacuation operation and by being one of the first countries of the EU to denounce the Gaddafi regime and recognize the National Transitional Council. Since the end of the revolution the Libyan people have struggled to reach a consensus in the course of state-building and this culminated in civil war. Furthermore, during this instability, militias and terrorist cells have mushroomed in Libyan territory, raising security concerns for the country, region and entire international community. It was observed that while the EU has adopted a 'civilian approach' towards assisting Libya, the UNSMIL has yielded results in the establishment and gradual progression of the Government of National Accord. The findings suggest that Malta has taken upon itself, the role as an advocate for Libya.