Madrid and London grow closer in the Gibraltar dispute.
Three centuries ago, Britain acquired Gibraltar, a territory that Spain aspires to reclaim. Bilateral issues between the two countries escalated after Brexit, necessitating a resolution to these problems. It appears that a solution may be within reach after four years of negotiations.
Yesterday, the UK and Spain announced that they have made progress in their dispute over Gibraltar. A deal regarding the British overseas territory located in southern Spain appears to be getting closer, according to a joint statement released by the countries following discussions in Brussels with the EU Commission. The agreement aims to define the status of the rocky outcrop, home to about 30,000 inhabitants, post-Brexit.
"All parties are optimistic that a settlement is imminent and will collaborate diligently to finalize the remaining issues and reach a comprehensive agreement between the EU and the UK," the statement said. Earlier, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron met with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares and EU Vice-President Maros Sefcovic in Brussels to discuss the matter.
This agreement primarily seeks to regulate the transportation of goods and people and cement a provisional agreement achieved by both sides after the UK departed the EU at the beginning of 2020.
Spain has long maintained sovereignty over the region, which has been under British rule for over 300 years. In 1713, Gibraltar, including its famed "Monkey Rock," became part of Britain following the Treaty of Utrecht. The territory was captured by the British fleet in 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession.
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The progress made in the Gibraltar dispute between Spain and Great Britain has potential implications for the UK's relationship with the EU, as the agreement aims to define Gibraltar's status post-Brexit. Despite Spain's long-standing claim over Gibraltar, which was acquired by Great Britain three centuries ago, both countries are working towards a resolution, with the support of the EU, to avoid escalating bilateral issues that arose after Brexit.
Source: www.ntv.de
