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Gibraltar and the UK are standing firm on the future of the Rock, with the territory remaining hopeful for further talks with the European Union and Spain. It said it is confident the treaty on its relationship with the EU will be concluded before the end of the year. The territory’s attorney general, Michael Llamas, said the ninth round of negotiations, held in London last week, were “very good”.
They made “good progress” on issues such as border fluidity and the Schengen Area.
While the UK and the EU reached a post-Brexit trade agreement on 24 December 2020, the relationship between the EU and Gibraltar was not included in that agreement.
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory but it shares a land border with Spain.
Just before the transition period drew to a close, Spain and the UK struck a last-minute interim deal to avoid a hard border.
Under the terms of the deal, the territory remains part of the Schengen passport-free area, which means British citizens will need to go through a Schengen border post to enter Gibraltar through its airport and seaport.
Speaking to European news outlet GBC about the ninth round of negotiations, Mr Llamas said: “They were very good.
“We touched on a number of very important issues, especially on border fluidity and Gibraltar’s future relationship with the Schengen Area, which, as you know, is the key part of the treaty for us.
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“We want to get this settled by the end of this year. That is the aim. It is possible.
“It is tight but it is possible…. Agreeing the principles, then you need to sit down and you need to draw up (and draft the legal text).
“But I think all of that could be done if we make good progress in this month of October.”
Tweeting after the conclusion of the talks, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “We spoke about working together to create security, prosperity and opportunities for our people.
“I reiterated the UK’s commitment to reaching a UK-EU Gibraltar agreement that works for all in the region.”
Meanwhile, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Albares added that Spain wants a “mutually beneficial relationship for our citizens.”
Additional reporting by Maria Ortega.
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