Spain and the United Kingdom have agreed on “general political lines” regarding Gibraltar in Brussels on Friday, as both sides are working towards a final political agreement on the status of the Rock in the EU after Brexit four years ago. Significant progress has been made during the meeting held at the European Commission headquarters, opening the door to further advancements in the coming weeks, according to a joint statement released by all parties involved. They have discussed sensitive issues such as the airport, goods, and mobility, and are committed to working together to ensure a prosperous future for the region through a comprehensive EU-UK agreement.
In 2020, it was agreed that Gibraltar would join the Schengen area, allowing for free movement between the colony and the EU. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares and Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo emphasized the need to protect the ongoing negotiations to ensure a successful outcome. They also confirmed that Spain and the EU will maintain a united front in the upcoming discussions. The meeting in Brussels was highly anticipated, as it involved key stakeholders and was seen as a crucial step towards reaching an agreement before the European elections in June.
The tripartite meeting in Brussels concluded a series of intense contacts aimed at bridging the remaining gaps in negotiations. The goal is to achieve a shared prosperity in the entire Gibraltar region. The negotiations are in their final stages, with the exchange of texts on a detailed treaty covering a wide range of areas, including the role of Frontex agents and Spanish security forces in Gibraltar. The treaty will address issues such as workers’ rights, taxation, security, and environmental concerns, aiming to harmonize pensions, taxes, and duties in line with European norms.
Spain and the UK highlight the positive atmosphere in their current relations, which has allowed for the reinvigoration of negotiations on Gibraltar. The negotiations have also focused on aligning the pensions of Gibraltarians with those of trans-border workers on the Rock, as well as harmonizing taxation policies to bring Gibraltar in line with other European territories. The negotiations have faced challenges related to sovereignty issues, especially regarding the use of the airport and security control measures at the Gibraltar frontier.
The meeting in Brussels was a significant step forward in the ongoing discussions, with both sides expressing optimism about the progress made. While specific details of the agreements reached during the meeting were not disclosed, the commitment to ensuring a stable and prosperous future for the region was emphasized. The next steps will involve further negotiations and the drafting of a comprehensive treaty that addresses all remaining issues, with the aim of finalizing the agreement in the near future. Both Spain and the UK are aligned in their approach to the negotiations, with a focus on finding mutually beneficial solutions for all parties involved.
