Overseas
The election of Saber Alazabi—currently Deputy Minister of Fisheries of the Tripoli-based Libyan Government—as Second Vice Chair of the GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean), held in Málaga during the 48th Session in early November 2025, goes far beyond diplomatic protocol. It represents a pivotal opportunity to consolidate the real signals of alignment that Libya has been showing for some time, bringing the country closer to fully adhering to international fisheries laws and procedures.
Despite internal instability, Libya has long expressed its intention to strengthen relations with European countries and comply with international standards to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Having a Libyan representative inside the GFCM governance structure provides the ideal platform to turn this intention into concrete action. It could accelerate the adoption of binding measures—above all, the implementation of IMO numbers for tracking large fishing vessels. Alazabi’s appointment is a strategic move to increase the country’s international credibility and demonstrate authoritative, tangible commitment.
A structured normalization of Libyan waters and active collaboration with the country is not only in Libya’s interest—it is an urgent necessity for Southern European fleets, particularly those of Italy, Malta and Greece. The traditional fishing grounds of these countries have been heavily pressured in the very recent past due to concentrated effort, leading to hyper-exploitation. This remains a crucial issue, even as the latest SoMFi 2025 report shows that years of stringent limitations are finally producing significant results: overfishing is declining, biomass is recovering, and there is renewed hope for the Mediterranean’s future.
Operating sustainably and non-predatorily within Libyan jurisdiction could provide a vital safety valve, further reducing pressure on existing stocks. Alazabi’s mandate will therefore be essential in creating a stable and secure regulatory framework that can support long-term economic and commercial cooperation.
The most effective formula for launching this new model of collaboration—respecting both the sea and national sovereignty—is the development of Joint Ventures (JVs). These bilateral agreements allow European fleets, equipped with advanced technologies and expertise, to fish in Libyan waters in partnership with local operators. This model ensures the transfer of know-how, promotes sustainable practices, and guarantees mutual economic benefits—granting European fleets access to new resources while fostering economic development within Libya.
In summary, Saber Alazabi’s election has the potential to transform what has long been a source of risk—seizures, conflicts and diplomatic tensions—into a strategic asset for Mediterranean sustainability, the economic survival of fishing fleets, and a renewed phase in Euro-Libyan relations built on constructive cooperation.
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