Building security together: from Spain to Libya

The EU supports Libya to tackle cross-border crime. EU member states support this partnership by deploying national border experts to the EU Border Assistance Mission. Chief Inspector (Spanish National Police), Ms. Ana Soteras, is currently deployed as Head of Border Management at EUBAM Libya.

What are your main goals and aspirations for your time with the mission, both personally and professionally?

Experience has taught me that sustainable change cannot be imported. It begins by listening. Before offering advice, I want to understand how Libyan colleagues work, what challenges they face, and where European experience can genuinely be useful. I want to be someone who listens, understands the local context, and provides tangible support.

Professionally, my main goal is to contribute meaningfully to strengthening border management structures in Libya. Having spent most of my career in operational and training roles of the Spanish Police, I see my current role as an opportunity to broaden my perspective, learn from colleagues with diverse backgrounds, and deepen my understanding of international cooperation.

 What does your day-to-day role in EUBAM entail? 

Every day is different. One morning I might be discussing border management reforms with Libyan counterparts, the next preparing specialised training for investigators or coordinating with international partners. As Head of EUBAM's Border Management Unit, my role is to bring these different strands together.

The Border Management Unit is an exceptional team of professionals from diverse nationalities and experience backgrounds such as European police officers, European customs experts as well as Libyan staff. This wide range of experience across different fields fosters a collaborative and dynamic working environment, making our daily operations efficient and adaptable.

We work alongside Libyan authorities to strengthen border management and tackle cross-border crime. Sometimes that means advising senior officials, sometimes developing new training courses, and sometimes simply sitting around the same table to solve practical problems together.

By strengthening Libya's capacity to manage its own borders, EUBAM helps address security challenges that affect both Libya and the European Union—from organised crime and trafficking in human beings to irregular migration and regional stability. 

As head of the unit, I also develop the working relationships with Libyan counterparts as well as with other international actors such as the EU Delegation in Libya, the UN organisations or the ICMPD.

From your perspective, why is the inclusion of women vital to effective border management? 

It is essential because it genuinely improves the way we work and the way we connect with the people we serve. 

Throughout my career, I have seen how women often bring a different approach to communication, problem‑solving, and handling sensitive situations. This becomes especially important when dealing with vulnerable groups, such as victims of human trafficking, who may feel comfortable speaking to a female officer. Our presence is also essential in border management where it can build trust, and help uncover information that might otherwise remain hidden.

In Libya, integrating women into established structures can contribute to better practices. Female officers can play a key role in improving community engagement, identifying vulnerable migrants, and ensuring that procedures respect international standards.

For this to happen, it’s important that Libyan women are not only encouraged to join the security sector but also supported once they are recruited—through training, career opportunities, and safe working conditions. When women are given the space to contribute fully, border management becomes more balanced, and ultimately more effective.

In what specific ways does EUBAM Libya support and strengthen border management capabilities in the country? Could you highlight a few key initiatives or areas of cooperation?

EUBAM Libya supports the Libyan authorities in strengthening border management and security across the country’s land, maritime, and air borders. As a civilian crisis management mission with a capacity-building mandate we provide strategic and operational assistance to relevant Libyan institutions. Through advisory support, collaboration, training, and mentoring, the Mission works closely with Libyan counterparts.

Currently, we work on several interesting projects: for instance to enhance infrastructure and operational readiness at western Libyan border crossing points, the development of training courses in areas that Libyan institutions are interested in, such as human trafficking investigation or the preparation and facilitation of different study visits to provide practical experiences in a   European context in migration management, international cooperation, and border policing.

What shared interests link Libya and the European Union in the field of border management?

Coming from Spain, I naturally feel the connection across the Mediterranean. Our countries face many of the same challenges—from migration and maritime security to fighting organised crime. That makes cooperation feel less like foreign policy and more like neighbours working together to solve shared problems.

Both sides recognise the importance of managing migration in a humane and responsible way. Border governance must be strengthened. These shared priorities create a common space for dialogue and practical collaboration.

On a personal level, I see these shared interests reflected in the daily work we do: building trust, strengthening institutions, and promoting professional standards that benefit both sides. Whether through training, capacity‑building, or operational support, the underlying principles remain the same: trust, professionalism and partnership. Those are the foundations of effective border management—and they benefit both Libya and the European Union.

What is the core message you would like to convey to Libyans based on your time in the country?

My core message to the Libyan people is one of sincere gratitude and respect. During my time in Libya, I have been deeply touched by the warmth, generosity, and hospitality shown to me.