In an extraordinary meeting of EU Foreign Affairs ministers held in Brussels on 20 February, the European Union expressed its extreme concern about the event unfolding in Libya. Although not referring to Libya's threat regarding its support to EU's migratory policy, the EU has condemned the repression the violent reaction against peaceful protesters and deplored the death of civilians.

In a declaration made on the evening of 20 February by High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on behalf of the European Union about the recent events taking place in in Libya, the Union urged Libyan authorities to exercise restraint and calm and to immediately refrain from further use of violence against peaceful demonstrators. These events, which have almost immediately followed former Egypt president Mubarak's resignation and the transition process initiated in Egypt, are now of extreme concern for the European Union. Some declarations by Libyan authorities over the days prior to the Foreign Affairs ministers, implied that Libya could withdraw its support to EU's migratory policy regarding controls over Southern Mediterranean borders.

In its declaration, the European Union declares that freedom of expression and the right to assemble, as provided for in particular by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, are human rights and fundamental freedoms of every human being which must be respected and protected. Therefore, the EU has called on the authorities to immediately cease the blocking of public access to the internet and mobile phone networks and to allow media to work freely throughout the country.

The European Union is expecting full cooperation by the authorities in protecting EU citizens and supports an open and meaningful Libyan-led dialogue to address the legitimate aspirations and demands of the people for reform.

This declaration on behalf of the European Union, came just before the celebration of a formal Foreign Affairs Council to be held on Monday 21 February, marked by the recent events and the situation in the Mediterranean. During these days it High Representative Ashton is also expected to travel to Egypt to hold discussion regarding the recent events in the country and its transition towards a democratic regime.