The European Union's Council expanded Monday the authorities of its border management assistance mission (EUBAM) to include an active support for the Libyan authorities in contributing to efforts to disrupt organised criminal networks involved in smuggling migrants, human trafficking and terrorism.

The mission's revised mandate will run until 30 June 2020 and the EU also allocated a budget of €61.6 million for the period from 1 January 2019 to 30 June 2020.

"In order to achieve its objectives, EUBAM provides capacity-building in the areas of border management, law enforcement and criminal justice." The statement issued by the EU Council reads.

According to the statement, the expansion of EUBAM authorities in Libya responds to a request by the Libyan authorities and is part of the EU's comprehensive approach to support the transition to a democratic, stable and prosperous Libya.

In the meantime, the European Union agreed last Friday to extend Operation Sophia off the Libyan coast for three coming months.

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