MEP Özlem Demirel (The Left) has submitted a parliamentary question to the European Commission demanding answers about the Libyan coastguard's shooting at the civilian rescue ship Ocean Viking on 24 August 2025, and the EU's role in monitoring human rights under its agreement with Libya. The question, filed on 29 June 2026, targets the Commission's handling of the incident and the broader implications for migrant rescue operations in the Central Mediterranean.
Demirel's question contains three concrete demands. First, she asks when and how the Libyan Tripoli Government communicated the results of its investigation into the shooting to the EU, and what those results indicate. Second, she presses the Commission on how it monitors compliance with human rights obligations under the memorandum of understanding between Italy and the Libyan Tripoli Government, and what penalties the agreement provides for non-compliance. Third, she inquires about the 'technical meetings' held with Libyan representatives to discuss the incident, their outcomes, and whether their frequency has increased compared to the first three quarters of 2025.
The question reflects Demirel's push for greater transparency and accountability in EU-Libya cooperation on migration, particularly regarding the use of force against civilian rescue vessels. The incident, in which the Libyan coastguard opened fire on the Ocean Viking, has raised concerns among humanitarian groups about the safety of search-and-rescue operations and the EU's indirect support for Libyan authorities through funding and training.
As a parliamentary question, the Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. The answer will signal the EU's stance on monitoring its migration partnerships and whether it will take action to address alleged human rights violations. The question impacts several stakeholders: EU taxpayers, who fund migration management; humanitarian NGOs conducting rescues; migrants and asylum seekers; and the Libyan coastguard, whose actions are under scrutiny.