Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Gibraltar Treaty Speculation Sparks Insider Rebuttal
Unsubstantiated conjecture has recently emerged suggesting that the UK and the EU might be nearing a treaty concerning Gibraltar, a notion promptly contested by well-placed sources. Reports originating from Spain indicated that, a fortnight prior, four officials from London engaged in discussions with prominent figures within the Gibraltar government and the Chamber of Commerce, including its President. These meetings purportedly aimed to deliberate on “routine trade relations with Spain”. However, European Sur, a Spanish daily, cited sources interpreting the focus of the brief visit to Gibraltar as “a precursor to an accord that would eliminate customs checks at the frontier and stimulate significant commercial growth between the territory and the EU,” as reported by The Olive Press.
Chamber Insiders Downplay Deal Imminence
Following these reports, speculation intensified regarding the proximity of both parties to an agreement. Nevertheless, sources within the Chamber of Commerce have since sought to temper expectations. Speaking to The Olive Press, they clarified that while a delegation from the UK Foreign Office did indeed meet with Chamber of Commerce President John Isola, such engagements were “routine and not indicative of imminent breakthroughs.”
Regular Meetings Underline Ongoing Dialogue
According to these sources, similar meetings have been conducted “almost monthly for at least the past year,” further emphasizing the consistent nature of discussions, as reported by the outlet.
Senior Officials Convene in London
Adding to the speculation, Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia are currently in London this week for what has been described as a “final phase” of discussions, fueling suggestions that an accord could be imminent.
Key Negotiators Involved in Talks
These pivotal talks are being facilitated by Stephen Doughty, the UK’s Minister for Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Politico reported on Monday.
EU and Spanish Representatives Participating
The European Commission’s chief negotiator, Clara Martinez Alberola, alongside Fernando Sampedro, Spain’s State Secretary for the European Union, are also reportedly participating, accompanied by their respective technical teams.
Optimism Amidst Prolonged Negotiations
Last week, Sampedro conveyed that another high-level meeting would be convened “when circumstances are suitable,” thereby bolstering optimism among those eager for a resolution to the protracted issue, as reported by the Gibraltar Chronicle.
No Impasse, Says Spanish Official
He stated at the time that “even at my level” technical interactions were proceeding “very smoothly,” affirming that there was “no deadlock” in the negotiations.
Positive Signals from Spanish Congress
Juan Carlos Ruiz Boix, the mayor of San Roque and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Spain’s Congress of Deputies, expressed a positive outlook regarding the progress of the talks, suggesting that “only minor details remain to finalize an agreement,” according to The Olive Press.
Negotiations Since 2021
London and Brussels have been engaged in negotiations concerning a novel common travel zone between Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, and Spain, with multiple rounds of discussions held since 2021.
Historical Agreements and Future Solutions
Spain, Britain, and the EU previously concurred that Gibraltar would continue to adhere to EU agreements, including the Schengen Area’s border-free travel, pending the attainment of a lasting resolution, as per Reuters.