Mission Member Profile: Customs Adviser, Karoly Molnar

Karoly Molnar is a Hungarian citizen and works in the Border Management Unit of EUBAM Libya. He joined the Mission in September 2021. Previously he worked at the National Tax and Customs Administration in Hungary. He has also served in Iraq in 1999 as an UN Inspector at the Oil for Food Programme, EUBAM Ukraine and Moldova in 2011 as a Customs Expert and at the OSCE Observer Mission at the Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk in 2017 till 2019 as a Border Observer.

1.Why did you apply to the Mission?

My motivation was basically driven by my need to gain more experience in the international field, working for an CSDP mission. I’m always looking for new challenges in my professional career. 

I also wanted to enhance my knowledge about the operational skills in a high-risk environment. Most importantly, I want to contribute to the service of safety and security of Europe, as this is enshrined in our nation’s principles. I strongly believe that the European Union has to be in a position to look after its own security interests and carry its share of responsibility as a global security provider in cooperation with third countries. At EUBAM Libya the safety and security of Libya has to be on the focus of our activities.

2. What is your role within the Mission?

I work in the Border Management Unit as a Customs Advisor.

According to our mandate, EUBAM Libya supports the Libyan authorities in developing border management and security at the country’s land, sea and air borders. Being a member of the Border Management Unit is a serious responsibility, because based on the mandate we’re the main pillar of the Mission.    

My main task officially is to operationalize the Mission's mandate and tasks as set out in the planning documents and the Mission Implementation Plan by advising and mentoring local counterparts in a structured manner. In general, assisting to the Libyan Customs Authority (LCA) we propose amendments based on international standards as well as best practices that will enhance the LCA capacity in combating smuggling and illicit trade of different kind of commodities.

The international community, the EU Member States and EUBAM Libya in particular stand ready to support the Libyan authorities on border management and in jointly seeking to translate our common vision of peace and stability in Libya into concrete action.

3. Who do you work closely with?

My main local counterpart is the Libyan Customs Authority, but I’m also in close cooperation with all of the Border Management Agencies. My key goal is providing Tripoli-based assistance and training to the LCA and to other Libyan border agencies to secure Libyan borders all over the country.

4. What do you enjoy most about your job?

The multiculturalism and a rich diversity of people as well as working together with my Mission colleagues and the Libyan customs officers, regarding to my daily job activities, which are the promotion of the European border management standards and procedures.

5. How do you like living in Libya and especially in Palm City?

Palm City is an excellent living and working environment, but here I miss the Budapest style of life, which is pretty awesome as you can hang out in ruin pubs, taste many types of wine, the unique Hungarian cuisine, bath inside thermal springs, pools and find many cultural events.

6. What do you like to do in your leisure time?

One of the most important things here is to take care about my own mental and physical health and maintain a well-balanced life. Almost daily I do exercises in the Gym, swimming or just relaxing in the sauna. I spend time reading and watching my favorite movies. The social activities with our colleagues after working hours or during weekends are also vital. Likewise, I spend lots of time for the online communication with my family members and friends. The self-development activities are a significant part of my life. I take advantage of online courses in order to improve my knowledge in different fields.

7. How would you describe your Libyan colleagues?

They have a high commitment to their jobs. Together with our Libyan colleagues from the Libyan Border Management Agencies we can forge a strong sword against international smugglers, traffickers and other criminals. They operate cross-border, so we have to do the same.

8. What is your dream holiday destination?

The most important thing is to be together with my family members, the destination is secondary. Together with my family we have several ideas regarding holiday destinations, from seaside places to high mountains.

9. What is one of your favorite books?

The “Fifth Seal” by Hungarian author Ferenc Sánta is one of it: In Budapest in 1944, a watchmaker, a book seller and a carpenter are drinking in a bar with the owner, when they are joined by a stranger. They are arrested when one of them makes a casual remark that offends a commandant. These daunting tasks test their commitment to their moral ideals. In general, I like to read books or watch movies which topics are about moral and human questions in hard and complex situations.

10. From your previous experience, what advice would you give to your colleagues and friends about Mission life?

This question can be answered from both a professional and a personal point of view. We have to keep in mind that we are representing here the European Union, so this obligates us to keep the highest standards both professionally and personally. We must respect the local customs, the rules, the interest of Libya and our counterparts. We have to work together with the Libyans to keep their borders secure, keep the land borders safe and to protect the local community. 

Never forget, that as professionals committed to supporting the Libyan Border Management Agencies, all Mission members adhere to the following core values of neutrality, partnership, reliability, results, service and transparency. The same values must be reflected in the internal issues of the Mission.