The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Spain and the United Kingdom, David Cameron and José Manuel Albares, will meet on Friday in Brussels with the Vice President of the European Commission, Maros Sefcovic, to finalize the agreement on Gibraltar’s relationship with the EU after Brexit. The meeting will also include the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, as part of the British delegation. Sources close to the negotiations predict that this high-level summit will lead to a political agreement, after two and a half years of technical negotiations, although the final document may take some time to be completed. The meeting is highly anticipated due to the approaching European Parliament elections and the upcoming general elections in the UK.
The negotiation process regarding Gibraltar and the EU is in its final stages, with exchanges of texts on the drafting of a treaty that will be extensive and detailed, covering various aspects of the relationship between the British colony and the EU. The involvement of Frontex agents and Spanish security forces in controlling passengers arriving in Gibraltar from third countries and the joint use of the airport, built on disputed territory claimed by Madrid and London, are among the most delicate issues being negotiated. These issues touch on questions of sovereignty that both parties have agreed to set aside.
Spanish Foreign Minister Albares has emphasized that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed, but has expressed optimism that an agreement is within reach, citing significant progress in recent technical meetings. The negotiation with Gibraltar is being considered by both sides as a crucial step towards a comprehensive agreement that should be approved as soon as possible. Gibraltar approaches the Brussels meeting with hopes of reaching a favourable outcome that will pave the way for a treaty agreement.
Gibraltarians are watching the negotiations with a mix of stoicism, hope, and frustration. The current uncertainty, following the New Year’s Eve agreement in 2020 between Madrid and London, and the prospect of a no-deal outcome, are raising concerns about future economic investments for Gibraltar’s companies. There are also worries for the 15,500 cross-border workers who may lose their jobs if the Verja, the border fence, remains and becomes an external border of the EU and the Schengen area. These uncertainties are posing challenges for the future stability and prosperity of Gibraltar.
An incident occurred on Wednesday night involving a patrol boat of the Spanish Civil Guard in waters near the Rock. A Spanish patrol boat collided with a buoy near the western part of the airport, causing significant damage to the boat. While this incident could have led to a diplomatic complaint from Gibraltar in the past, the authorities have communicated the incident with their Spanish counterparts. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Gibraltar negotiations, even as both sides work towards a comprehensive agreement.
