Ten years after the Arab Spring, hopes for a democratic transformation process have been disappointed in many places. Failing statehood, corruption, arms smuggling, diverging great power interests and quarrelling militias pose a challenge to Europe’s neighbouring region in general, and Libya in particular.

How can France, Italy and Germany speak with one voice on Europe’s southern flank and contain the ambitions of other powers in the region? What incentives can be created in Libya to give the local people prospects for development? How realistic are the prospects of elections towards the end of this year? Does the German Armed Forces Mandate for the EU maritime mission IRINI need to be changed or even extended?

Programme:

Welcome Remarks:

David Schwake, Secretary General, German Africa Foundation

Cedric Bierganns, Advisor Security Policy and Federal Armed Forces, Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation

Discussion:

Daniel Stroux, Chief Technical Advisor of the United Nations Electoral Support Team within the UN Support Mission in Libya

Frigate Captain Jan Fitschen, Commander of the Frigate Hamburg during the mission IRINI from August to December 2020

Thomas Volk, Programme Manager Political Dialogue in the Southern Mediterranean, Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation

Volkmar Klein MP, Spokesperson for economic cooperation and development of the CDU/CSU and Board Member of the German Africa Foundation

Moderation:

Franziska Schwarzmann (Journalist)