On Tuesday 5 October, the Council of the EU adopted a decision authorising the opening of negotiations for an EU-UK agreement on Gibraltar as well as the negotiating directives. The decision therefore authorises the European Commission to start formal negotiations with the UK, according to a statement.
The objective of the negotiations is to establish “a broad and balanced agreement between the EU and the UK on Gibraltar, taking into account the particular geographical situation and specificities of Gibraltar”. Gibraltar had not been included within the scope of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement concluded between the EU and the UK at the end of 2020.
In July, the European Commission had presented a recommendation for an EU Council decision authorising the opening of these negotiations (see EUROPE 12766/7) and a draft mandate that was slightly modified by the EU Council – for example, by adding a reference to Frontex – said a source.
The EU Council also noted that the envisaged EU-UK agreement on Gibraltar “should be without prejudice to issues of sovereignty and jurisdiction”.
The mandate notably includes rules establishing responsibility for asylum, return, visas, residence permits, as well as operational police cooperation and information exchange. Other measures concern land and air transport, the rights of cross-border workers, the environment, financial support and establishing a level playing field. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)