European Union countries are preparing possible sanctions against officials in Libya blamed for undermining the peace process and blocking the formation of a unity government.

EU diplomats say a small list of “spoilers” could be targeted as soon as next week. The diplomats have not been named because the process is sensitive and ongoing.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that Nouri Abu-Sahmain, the head of the Tripoli parliament, and Khalifa Ghweil, the prime minister of the Tripoli Salvation government, could be in the EU’s sights.

Libya has been split between rival governments since 2014, a consequence of the chaos that engulfed the country after the 2011 uprising which toppled and killed long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

One is an Islamist-backed government in Tripoli, the other an internationally recognized leadership based in the east.

UN-brokered talks to get a unity government up and running have been bogged down. Such a government could eventually seek international military intervention against Islamic State extremists who have taken advantage of the political vacuum.

Small teams of US military have gone in and out of Libya in recent months as part of an effort to establish ties with local groups and leaders. Italy, France and Britain are also keeping a close eye on the unrest. Islamic State extremists in Libya have claimed responsibility for deadly attacks and are trying to take control of Libya’s oil network.

EU foreign ministers will hold informal talks on Libya in Brussels tomorrow. Because their talks are informal, no legal decisions to impose sanctions can be taken, the diplomats explained, but a process for a decision will be agreed on when member states are ready.

The UN’s envoy for Libya, Martin Kobler, will brief the ministers on recent developments.

Britain and France are driving the sanctions effort, but the move has broad support among other nations in the 28-country bloc, one diplomat said.

Other countries would like the move to be co-ordinated more closely with the United Nations.

“Because of the dynamics in the UN Security Council, UN-imposed sanctions talk didn’t go anywhere,” said Libya expert Carlo Binda.

He noted, however, that “carrots have worked only so far, and now the sticks are being prepared,” adding that EU sanctions would probably hurt the “spoilers.”