European Union leaders are looking to back UN-brokered efforts to form a national unity government in conflict-torn Libya that may include a possible mission to help provide security.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said Friday, March 20, that her services are "planning all possible ways of supporting, even on the plan of security, a future national unity government."

Libya is the main departure point from Africa for migrants fleeing poverty or war in search of better lives in Europe and the conflict has raised deep concern that extremists could also make the crossing.

EU leaders meeting in Brussels will offer support to the UN as talks between Libya's divided factions unfold in Morocco, and task Mogherini to plan a range of options for backing a new government.