Escape Route to Crete: The Smuggling Business in Eastern Libya

The migration route from eastern Libya to Crete has become significant, with nearly 20,000 migrants attempting the perilous journey this year. Smuggler networks are adapting to increased controls on other routes, using smaller boats and shifting departures to Crete. The smuggling business is intertwined with Libya's conflict economy, where armed actors gain resources and influence through control of informal markets. General Khalifa Haftar's power in eastern Libya complicates the situation, as connections between smugglers and his networks remain unclear. Geopolitical interests, including a maritime agreement with Turkey, further impact migration dynamics. The EU's collaboration with Libyan authorities raises concerns about empowering local power brokers while attempting to control migration flows.