Brussels, 28/05/2015 (Agence Europe) - At the opening in Brussels on Wednesday 27 May of a representation office for the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, the chief minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, said that the territory was considering whether to join new EU policies, such as the Schengen Area as the United Kingdom begins renegotiation of its relationship with the European Union (interview by Mathieu Bion).
Agence Europe - Why is it so important for Gibraltar to open an office in Brussels?
Fabian Picardo - Gibraltar is a part of the European Union through the United Kingdom. But our parliament is entirely autonomous in all matters except foreign affairs, defence and internal security. Therefore, all the obligations that the UK requires in the EU to transpose directives and to give effect to regulations have to become law in Gibraltar by the government and the parliament of Gibraltar. We need to be able to influence those as much as any organisation that makes up the single market. Gibraltar therefore needs the opportunity to put its view in the heart of the “European capital” where decisions are being made about our future.
How big will the office be and what will your main areas of interest?
Spearheading the office will be Sir Graham Watson, ex-leader of the Liberal group within the EU Parliament. With him will be a number of civil servants. The small representation will be very effective in ensuring our voice is heard, not so much just in relation to tax matters but in relation to all issues that affect our society, such as the environment for example.
What is the view of the Gibraltar regarding the attempt by the UK to renegotiate its relationship with the EU?
Gibraltarians will be able to vote in the referendum that will be convened in the next 24 months. There is a feeling - In my view - in Gibraltar that overwhelmingly we must fight to stay within the single market and the EU. Many of us think it's the only future we can envisage. In particular because of the issues that Spain has with Gibraltar, being able to rely on the four fundamental freedoms, the free movement of people in particular. But my government fully endorses the position of Prime Minister D. Cameron in seeking to ensure Europe develops in a way it is modern, close to its citizens and fit for purpose in the XXI century. If that requires changes in the way the EU is set up today, it would be warmly welcomed not only by British people but by people from all member states.
Will the Gibraltarian parliament adopt a position on areas that could be renegotiated?
It's very likely. Gibraltar in some instances wants more Europe and not less. At the moment Gibraltar is out of the Schengen acquis and out of the common customs union. Gibraltar wants to be able to address these issues. We are trying to understand whether our economic model would benefit more from being within the common customs union and from accessing the Schengen area, or if we should stay as we are.
If people wish that Gibraltar, as part of continental Europe, forms part of the Schengen area, even though the UK might continue to be out because it is an island, it would be something we could pursue in the future. Of course that would be something that would require acceptance by other member states.
What is the situation now in the dispute between Spain and the UK on the single European sky?
In relation to aviation matters, the government of Spain agreed in 2006 that it would lift its blockade of Gibraltar airport. Unfortunately the Partido Popular has gone back to the previous position. Our position is: the Gibraltar airport has fully been a part of the EU. The agreement that the Spanish government subscribed to is an agreement which is still in effect.
It's not - in my view - Spain that is rowing with the UK on the subject. It is actually just the Partido Popular. Because the Socialist party that was in the government was able to take a huge step forward in ensuring that we'd be able to use Gibraltar airport as a full part of the EU air liberalisation system in a way that would benefit all people of the region. Gibraltar airport remains Gibraltarian and British and nothing can ever challenge that. For the Partido Popular to think they can go back to a suspension that might somehow favour its claim on sovereignty is entirely wrong and is not going to achieve anything except to delay matters for the rest of the EU partners.
What is your policy regarding taxation issues?
Gibraltar is at the vanguard of international exchange of information. We already apply the standards on multilateral exchange of information. We have 27 tax information agreements with countries around the world including the US, some of them European countries including France and Germany. We have supported Prime Minister D. Cameron's agenda on transparency at the G8. In relation to the last anti-money laundering directive, Gibraltar wants to be the first EU jurisdiction to have in place a central register of beneficial ownership.