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EU: Gibraltar: status resolved

01 March 2000

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The status of Gibraltar which has been holding up agreement on a series of justice and home affairs measures (for example, the UK application to join parts of the Schengen system) has finally been resolved. The UK and Spain have been at odds over its status since its was surrendered to British forces under the Treaty of Utrecht of 1713.

The deal centres on the position that Gibraltar (a British overseas territory) will not have an independent status within the EU. All communications between Spain and Gibraltar will be conducted through the UK - or rather with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) acting as a "post box". Formally the UK will create a UK government/Gibraltar EU liaison office at the FCO.

The effect is that all Gibraltarian documents, diplomatic contacts, financial and judicial decisions have to be rubber-stamped by the UK - an authority that Spain recognises. Left unresolved is the issue of sovereignty with both countries maintaining their ownership.

Gibraltar authorities in the context of EU and EC instruments and related treaties, ref: 7998/00, JAI 45, 19.4.00; Guardian, 20.4.00; Daily Telegraph, 20.4.00.

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