The Diplomat
Delegations from the European Commission and the United Kingdom opened talks in Brussels yesterday on the EU’s future relationship with Gibraltar after Brexit.
The European Commission, whose delegation is headed by Vice-President Maros Sefcovic, is negotiating on the basis of the mandate approved by the EU-27, to which Spain gave its approval. Spain is not participating in the negotiations as such, although it is in contact with the Commission’s negotiators. The British delegation includes authorities from Gibraltar, although the chief minister, Fabian Picardo, was present telematically, as yesterday was his last day in isolation, having tested positive for COVID-19.
Spain and the UK agreed at the end of 2020 on Gibraltar’s access to the Schengen area and the abolition of the fence, but the Spanish government considers itself responsible for the implementation of port and airport control. However, Spain accepted that, for a transitional period of four years, Frontex agents would be involved in this control.
Although this aspect was not initially included in the Commission’s draft negotiating mandate – which provoked British protests – it has finally been included and is on the negotiating table, which has just been opened.
Yesterday, Picardo issued a statement in which he expressed his hope for a positive conclusion to the process and underlined “the importance of a fluid border for many thousands of citizens, of all nationalities, on both sides”. I am happy to say,” he added, “that I believe that everyone in the negotiating room has shown a positive approach. I remain optimistic that it will be possible to find a path to a treaty, but I am also realistic enough to know that we could still fail. I will continue to work to resolve the issues in a positive way, so that all our important and fundamental priorities are protected and none of these key issues are compromised”.
