The European Commission (EC) and the United Kingdom conclude a new round of negotiations Gibraltar without closing A a settlement After thirty face-to-face and online meetings over fifteen and a half months.
While the European and British negotiating teams maintain complete silence on the progress of the talks, the government of Gibraltar has issued a statement welcoming it “with”. satisfaction continuity of the negotiation process and the positive and constructive approach of the teams in the room”. Furthermore, the executive fabian picardo It “looks forward with great interest to the conclusion of a treaty which is bound to benefit all parties”.
After thanking “the negotiators on all sides for their continued efforts”, the Gibraltarian government confirms that “it remains optimistic as to the possibility of agreeing on a secure and profitable treaty for Gibraltar”.
The Rock government was represented by the Attorney General, michael flameswhich was attended by the Director of the House of Gibraltar in Brussels, Daniel D’Amato, Chief Minister, fabian picardoand Deputy Chief Minister, Joseph GarciaVirtually returned to participate.
The future relationship between Rock and 27, especially with its closest neighbors on the other side of the fence, is not covered by the commercial agreement that was reached in London and Brussels. christmas eve 2020, Therefore, a separate agreement is needed that the European Commission and the government are negotiating from October 11, 2021.
This new treaty is based on the consensus reached in Spain and the United Kingdom new years eve 2020That has not prevented significant disagreements with regard to rock and tax equality, border controls and visa granting, the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the European Union (TJUE) or the application of European law in environmental or economic regulation. sensitive issues.
In mid-December, the foreign ministers of Spain and the United Kingdom, Jose Manuel Albars and james finesseannounced that talks on the Gibraltar relationship would accelerate so that a deal could be finalized “as soon as possible”.
