A little over a year has passed since the first round of talks on Gibraltar And the potential settlement is tight. Although the technician The European Union And this United Kingdom Consensus has already been reached on most of the points (about 90% of the 300 articles that make up a future treaty). satisfactory He may destroy the talks this Friday. Especially since there has been no progress for almost ten months and there are no signs of it happening.
The British delegation still does not accept the EU proposal – “the most Generous “ According to sources close to the talks, this is the only time it has ever been on Gibraltar – which is why it plans to end the threat without a deal. With the firm intention of avoiding it, the interlocutor of The European Commission They meet this Thursday and Friday in Brussels to resume the ninth round.
intent to put back on the table more subtle offer On the delicate sections that contribute to the closure of talks in the wake of disagreements that arose in previous appointments. A brief meeting was held in October – amid the mourning of London death of elizabeth ii– as a prelude to the meeting that began this Thursday, was held after several delays and when the political storm that claimed the position of two prime ministers did not fully subside (Boris Johnson and Liz Truss) behind their respective cabinets.
Now, the negotiators representing the government of the new prime minister, Rishi SunakHear the European delegation – with Spain with a relevant voice and vote – on such sensitive issues as the military role of the Rock or the way in which the route through the Gate will be regulated.
The talks are based on a memorandum of understanding signed by the British and Spanish governments. December 31, 2020 In which the future elimination of border crossings is predicted and border controls in the Rock are transferred to the port and airport. Responsible for control over those wishing to enter Spain schengen area Via Gibraltar via La Linea border crossing. During the first four years, Spanish agents would carry out these investigations with the assistance of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.frontex) The British claim that there are no Spanish agents, only Frontex, which is impossible for the EU.
It is a coincidence that, at such a critical moment in talks on the Rock, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation, Jose Manuel AlberesHas traveled to Brussels to continue preparations for the rotating presidency to be assumed by Spain in the second half of 2023.
on this occasion, albares Will meet with the Deputy Chairman of the Commission in charge of inter-institutional relations, maros sefkovicand with the Commissioner for Internal Markets and Services, Thierry BretonSimultaneously with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola,
So Albers will have the opportunity to feel for the first time the sentiment of the European Commission about Gibraltar, because Sefkovic is Community Vice President responsible for relations with the United Kingdom, In addition, it so happens that the Slovak has just returned from London, where he took part in a joint assembly of British and European deputies.
In early November, the Government of Gibraltar said in a display of optimism that “More rounds expected in the last quarter of 2022“The talks have been carried out in a constructive and cooperative atmosphere and although progress has been made, it is essential that the negotiations continue so that the parties try to resolve. complex issues which are still pending,” he said in a message with a desire far greater than reality.
“The Government remains committed to the Framework Agreement as the way forward and will work towards an agreement as it will be in the best interest of all parties. However, neither the UK nor Gibraltar can agree to an agreement that will Will make or endanger the fundamental sacrifice Gibraltar’s future prosperity, We must be prepared to drop the talks,” he warned.
“Since leaving the conversation protect the interests of Gibraltar remains a possibility, the government has a duty to prepare Gibraltar for a possibility no discussion on results ,non-negotiable result, nnoThis does not mean that there will be no compromise, but that the government has an obligation to prepare for alternatives. We are preparing a deal and no deal at the same time.”
the government of fabian picardowho is in London to prepare for talks this week, accompanied his statement with a technical note in which he asked companies to be prepared for a worst-case scenario.
