Germany considers participating in training of Libyan coastguards

Germany is considering participating in European Union (EU) efforts to train the Libyan coast guard forces.

German Press Agency quoted unnamed government sources on Monday as saying the Federal Ministry of Defence is currently considering what kind of support is possible, noting that a final decision could be taken in the coming weeks.

The sources confirmed that the German participation is to enlarge the role of the EU Sophia operation.

European officials believe that training Libyan coast guards will contribute to making the Mediterranean Sea safer and prevent illegal immigration from Africa.

According to the German agency, some 90,000 migrants and refugees arrived in Europe via the Mediterranean Sea this year.