High-level political discussions aimed at closing a deal on post-Brexit border and transit arrangements for Gibraltar ended without an agreement in Brussels. The self-governing British overseas territory ceased to be part of the EU with the UK’s formal exit from the bloc in 2020, but it was excluded from the Trade and Cooperation Agreement that defined the post-Brexit EU-UK relationship. The meeting involved Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič. Talks have recently intensified, with the EU hoping to strike an agreement just in time for the European elections in June.
Šefčovič stated that Thursday’s discussions took place in a constructive atmosphere with additional breakthroughs in potential areas for a future agreement. The UK’s foreign office also mentioned that all sides are getting reassured that the agreement is getting closer and they would work rapidly on outstanding areas towards an overall EU-UK agreement. Technical teams will start to work on new proposals based on the ideas pitched in the meeting. Šefčovič reaffirmed the shared commitment to bringing confidence, legal certainty, and stability to the people of the campo de Gibraltar.
The tensions over Gibraltar became heightened following the UK’s decision to exit the European Union. Gibraltar, also known as the Rock, is located on the southern tip of Spain. The UK has historically defended its sovereignty over the territory, while Madrid has claimed sovereignty over parts of Gibraltar and called for its “decolonisation.” Talks between the UK and Spain have stalled over disagreements on how to manage the Gibraltar-Spain border and arrangements for Gibraltar’s airport, which is used by the UK’s Royal Air Forces and for commercial flights. Spain has proposed Spanish or EU border officials be stationed at the airport and wants Schengen border checks to be conducted for airport arrivals to avoid checks on the Spain-Gibraltar border, but these proposals conflict with the UK’s red lines.
Lord Cameron has faced criticism from the House of Commons’ European scrutiny committee for allegedly allowing the pendulum to swing too far in the direction of the EU, potentially leading to Gibraltar becoming a British overseas territory “in name only.” However, all parties involved in the discussions have expressed their commitment to finding a mutually acceptable agreement and remaining in close contact. Šefčovič expressed hope for a deal to be reached as soon as possible to provide confidence, legal certainty, and stability to the people of the campo de Gibraltar.
