UK, Spain close to deal on Gibraltar status
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Gibraltar has been a subject of contention between Spain and the UK for 3 centuries.
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The EU flag flies next to Gibraltar's flag and the Union Jack in Gibraltar on January 31, 2020. (AFP)
The United Kingdom and Spain are on the approach of striking a deal on Gibraltar's status, with both nations believed to have made progress in discussions over the future of the UK-controlled area, according to The Times, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Gibraltar's position, located at the southern point of the Iberian Peninsula, has been unknown since the United Kingdom left the European Union in 2016, as the territory was omitted from the UK-EU divorce deal. In November 2023, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares stated that Madrid was prepared to strike a "generous and balanced" arrangement on Gibraltar.
According to The Times, the discussions were nearing completion, with the sides hoping to achieve an agreement within a week.
Furthermore, a Gibraltar government source told The Times that both Madrid and London were confident about the situation's resolution. In contrast, UK government sources were more dubious about the possibility of an early signature.
The Times detailed that the two sides are making headway in overcoming London's objections to Madrid's demand for the transfer of authority of Gibraltar International Airport, which is located on the Royal Air Force installation. According to the article, Albares and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron will discuss developments at their next meeting.
In June 2023, The Sun stated, quoting UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, that the UK does not intend to hand over management of the airport to Spain.
Gibraltar has been a subject of contention between Spain and the UK for 3 centuries.
Surrendered to the UK as early as 1714. Since then, the British have governed the rocky region of the Iberian Peninsula's southern coast, which covers 6.5 square kilometers (2.3 square miles) and has a population of 30,000 people.
Spain continues to claim Gibraltar as its own, but in referendums held in 1967 and 2002, more than 90% of Gibraltar citizens decided to stay in the UK.
