The Gibraltar Brexit Withdrawal Agreement: What You Need to Know
As the United Kingdom prepares to leave the European Union, the status of Gibraltar remains a topic of discussion. Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located on the southern tip of Spain, has been a point of contention between the UK and Spain for centuries. With the Brexit withdrawal agreement, the status of Gibraltar has once again come into focus.
The withdrawal agreement outlines the terms of the UK’s departure from the EU, including provisions related to Gibraltar. The agreement states that Gibraltar will be included in the transition period that is set to last until December 2020. During this period, Gibraltar will continue to have access to the single market and customs union.
However, after the transition period ends, the status of Gibraltar remains uncertain. The withdrawal agreement states that the UK and EU will work to secure a separate agreement on the status of Gibraltar during the transition period. This agreement will need to be approved by both the UK and Spain.
Spain has long claimed sovereignty over Gibraltar and has expressed concerns about the impact of Brexit on the territory. In particular, Spain is concerned about the possibility of a hard border between Gibraltar and Spain, which could hinder the flow of people and goods between the two areas.
The withdrawal agreement includes provisions that aim to address these concerns. The UK and Spain have agreed to establish a working group that will focus on issues related to Gibraltar during the transition period. This group will work to address issues related to the movement of people and goods between Gibraltar and Spain, as well as issues related to environmental protection.
The withdrawal agreement also acknowledges the importance of the airport in Gibraltar, which is accessed via Spanish airspace. The UK and Spain have agreed to work together to ensure the continued use of the airport after the transition period.
Overall, the Gibraltar Brexit withdrawal agreement represents a temporary solution to the complex issue of Gibraltar’s status. While the agreement provides for a transition period and a working group to address issues related to Gibraltar, a permanent solution will still need to be negotiated. As Brexit continues to unfold, the status of Gibraltar will remain an important issue for both the UK and Spain.