Quote from Alex bobby on May 13, 2025, 3:39 PM

Gibraltar Holds the Key to Future UK-EU Security Pact, Says Spain

As the United Kingdom seeks to reset its relationship with the European Union in the post-Brexit era, a centuries-old dispute over a tiny stretch of land on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula may prove to be a decisive factor. Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, has suggested that the success of a much-anticipated EU-UK security pact could hinge on reaching a definitive agreement on the status and future of Gibraltar.

Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory since 1713, has long been a point of contention between the UK and Spain. While its rocky silhouette is small in size, its political significance looms large—especially now, as the UK aims to build stronger ties with the EU following its formal departure from the bloc in 2020.

Unresolved Issues Post-Brexit

Gibraltar's status was left in limbo after Brexit. While the UK and EU finalized their Trade and Cooperation Agreement in 2020, Gibraltar was not included in that deal. Instead, a temporary arrangement was put in place, allowing Gibraltar to remain aligned with key EU frameworks like the Schengen Area, thus enabling continued free movement across the border with Spain.

However, this temporary fix has only postponed a much-needed long-term solution. Ongoing negotiations between London and Madrid have yet to yield a binding agreement on the territory’s future, particularly on issues like border control, customs, and the use of Gibraltar’s airport.

Next week, the UK will host a significant summit with EU leaders, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer hopes to seal a comprehensive security agreement that could pave the way for a broader normalization of relations. But in remarks made to the BBC, Spain’s Foreign Minister made it clear: no final deal can be reached unless Gibraltar is also resolved.

“Not a Pick-and-Choose Relationship”

Albares underscored that the UK’s desire for closer cooperation with the EU cannot come without compromise. “The relationship between UK and European Union is a comprehensive relationship, a global relationship, not just a pick-and-choose relationship,” he said. “There are many, many things that we have to talk (about), Gibraltar included.”

He added, “There is no agreement. It’s not resolved yet. We need to solve the issue of Gibraltar in order to have a full European Union-UK relationship.”

His remarks highlight the EU’s growing insistence on addressing outstanding post-Brexit disputes as part of any new collaborative frameworks, including those concerning security, defense, and intelligence sharing.

Airport Dispute at the Core

One of the most contentious sticking points in the negotiations is control over Gibraltar’s airport. Under proposed arrangements that would keep Gibraltar within the EU’s free-movement Schengen zone, the airport would become an external EU border—a sensitive designation.

Spain has pushed for its border agents to be stationed at the airport, a move that has been firmly opposed by both the UK and Gibraltar. The site is not just a civilian airport but also hosts a Royal Air Force base, making questions of sovereignty and control all the more delicate.

Spain's demand has stirred concerns in Gibraltar, where fears of creeping Spanish influence are ever-present. Any perceived erosion of British sovereignty is politically toxic, not only in the territory but also in Westminster.

Gibraltar’s EU Loyalty

Despite being a British territory, Gibraltar has consistently expressed its pro-EU sentiment. In the 2016 Brexit referendum, an overwhelming 96% of Gibraltar’s roughly 34,000 residents voted to remain in the EU. The local economy depends heavily on frictionless access to the European single market, with thousands of cross-border workers commuting daily from Spain.

The border between Gibraltar and Spain is also vital for trade, tourism, and essential services like healthcare. Delays or restrictions could have serious economic and social consequences on both sides of the border.

A Historic Dispute With Modern Consequences

Gibraltar was ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, but Spain has never dropped its claim to the territory. Over 300 years later, the issue remains unresolved—now thrust back into the international spotlight by the broader context of UK-EU relations.

With time running out before the upcoming summit, both sides are under pressure to make progress. For the UK, securing a robust security pact with the EU is a key priority. For Spain, and increasingly for the EU as a whole, addressing Gibraltar’s unresolved status is an integral part of that conversation.

Conclusion

As Europe redefines its geopolitical alliances in the wake of Brexit and growing global tensions, Gibraltar once again finds itself at the center of high-stakes diplomacy. Whether it serves as a stumbling block or a stepping stone will depend on the political will of London, Madrid, and Brussels to find common ground. One thing is clear: no meaningful reset in UK-EU relations will be possible without a lasting solution for Gibraltar.