Date Published: 11/10/2021
ARCHIVED - Negotiations begin between UK and EU over Gibraltar
The UK intends to stand ‘firm’ against any agreement that threatens sovereignty over Gibraltar
The post-Brexit situation of Gibraltar, which was not covered under the exit agreement, has been the source of rising tensions between Spain, the United Kingdom and the EU for many months, with British politicians repeatedly claiming that all of the initial suggestions by Brussels threaten the sovereignty of the Rock. However, hopes are high as new talks begin on Monday October 11 between the European Commission and the UK government.
Madrid and London came to an interim agreement regarding Gibraltar right before the Brexit deadline in order to avoid chaos on January 1 2021. The temporary agreement included treating the territory as if it were part of the Schengen zone, avoiding a hard border with an independent European agency manning entrances and exits through the airport and port.
However, the European Commission left the finer details up to Spanish authorities, something which Boris Johnson claimed was “unacceptable” and the British government wished to make it “very clear” that handing power over to Spain would not be an option.
The situation has come to a head on numerous occasions as British and Guardia Civil patrol boats clash over territory in Gibraltar waters, and both sides are in agreement that a permanent treaty must be drawn up sooner rather than later.
However, the indicators are already there that the talks will not be plain sailing, as UK Foreign Minister, Liz Truss, insisted that while Britain is committed to working toward a treaty, she is not prepared to “accept anything that compromises sovereignty.”
Good to speak to @MarosSefcovic ahead of UK-EU talks on Gibraltar starting Monday.
— Liz Truss (@trussliz) October 8, 2021
We are committed to working towards a treaty in line with the framework agreed with Spain
🇬🇧 remains steadfast in our support for Gibraltar & will not agree anything that compromises sovereignty.
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