Brussels, 26/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - As planned, the European Commission conducted a fact-finding mission to Gibraltar on Wednesday 25 September and its experts, from the European Commission services for home affairs, customs union, justice and the European anti-fraud office, have already returned. The Commission, however, cannot give a timetable for concluding its analysis, spokesman Olivier Bailly said on Thursday 26 September, stating that it was about to begin assessment of the information gathered. The expert mission was sent, inter alia, to determine whether border and customs checks are appropriate and to examine Spanish allegations of smuggling against Gibraltar. Gibraltar claims that the Spanish authorities have toughened controls in retaliation for the artificial reef that, it says, is damaging to Spanish fishermen, created in waters claimed by both parties. The environmental issues in this matter - a specific complaint was lodged by Spain in July - have not been addressed by this mission and will be dealt with separately, as will tax-fraud issues. Here again, the Commission was unable, on Thursday, to give a precise timetable for action. (SP/transl.fl)