Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated on Tuesday that his country is not changing a single comma in its claim to sovereignty over Gibraltar. This declaration followed the formal signing in Brussels of an agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom, which is intended to regulate the status of the territory in the aftermath of Brexit.
Speaking to reporters immediately after the signing ceremony, Albares emphasized that Article 2 of the agreement makes it very clear that Spain continues to assert its sovereignty and that the nation's position remains exactly the same as it has always been. The treaty was signed by European Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic and the UK Minister of State for Europe, Stephen Doughty, with both Albares and Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, participating in the event.
A major physical change resulting from this agreement is the scheduled demolition of the Verja, the final stretch of the border fence that separates Gibraltar from Spanish land. The top Spanish diplomat described this structure as the last frontier in continental Europe and confirmed that its removal is set for this Wednesday. Albares argued that the agreement successfully safeguards Spain’s position on sovereignty over the territory, which he referred to as 'the Rock,' while simultaneously allowing for significant progress in day-to-day cooperation and coexistence.
The minister highlighted that Spain has achieved all the objectives it set for itself at the start of the negotiations, noting that the sovereignty claim is fully protected by the terms of the treaty. He outlined that the new framework will guarantee the freedom of movement for both people and goods, prevent the distortions of the past regarding taxation and the environment, and provide new connectivity for the Campo de Gibraltar.
Albares expressed that the agreement represents a spectacular leap into the future, allowing both sides to leave behind three centuries marked by mistrust and confrontation. He emphasized that the deal is specifically in favor of the 300,000 Andalusians in the Campo de Gibraltar, focusing on their interests and future opportunities. By investing in coexistence, the minister insisted that the treaty will strengthen economic and social ties on both sides of the fence while keeping Spain’s historic position on the sovereignty of Gibraltar virtually unchanged.
