Libyan authorities had previously mandated that all foreign visitors and diplomatic missions obtain prior permission before entering the country, which was allegedly bypassed.

The event reflects broader geopolitical and regional developments, including recent political shifts in Europe and surrounding regions, which influence the diplomatic landscape.

A diplomatic dispute erupted when the EU delegation, including migration officials from Italy, Malta, and Greece, was denied entry to eastern Libya by the Benghazi-based administration, highlighting Libya's assertion of sovereignty.

Prime Minister Osama Saad Hammad condemned the incident as a violation of international conventions and Libyan law, emphasizing the political tensions surrounding the visit.

The visit followed talks with Libya's internationally recognized government in Tripoli, underscoring the ongoing political division and regional rivalries within Libya.

The incident drew criticism from Italian opposition lawmakers, especially since Italy’s migration minister was accused of illegal entry during the event, adding irony to the diplomatic tensions.

The blockade was reportedly triggered by the delegation’s initial visit to Tripoli, which is controlled by Libya’s recognized government, possibly viewed as bypassing diplomatic protocols.

Libyan authorities, under Dbeibah's government, are working on a national migration plan focused on practical cooperation with international partners to develop sustainable solutions.

Libya remains a crucial transit route for migrants heading to Europe, with ongoing factional conflict since 2014 complicating efforts to develop a unified migration strategy.

Since the fall of Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been politically split, with regions like Benghazi controlled by rival administrations and aligned with figures like Khalifa Haftar, who has ties to Russia.

EU's Magnus Brunner indicated that discussions on fighting migrant smuggling took place, but the planned meetings in Benghazi did not occur, and the incident was not publicly addressed by the European Commission.

Libyan Prime Minister Hammad condemned the incident as a violation of both Libyan law and international norms, asserting Libya’s sovereignty over its territory.

The incident underscores Libya’s ongoing political instability and the complex regional dynamics, including the influence of external actors like Russia.