The council today adopted a decision authorising the negotiation of an EU-UK agreement on Gibraltar and negotiating directives. On this basis, the European Commission can now enter into formal negotiations on Gibraltar with the United Kingdom.
The aim of the negotiations is to achieve a comprehensive and balanced agreement between the EU and the UK on Gibraltar, given the particular geographical situation and characteristics of Gibraltar.
Gibraltar was not part of the EU – UK trade and cooperation agreement concluded at the end of 2020.
On 31 December 2020, Spain and the UK agreed on a possible framework for an agreement on Gibraltar. On this basis, Spain has requested the Commission to start negotiations at EU level on such an agreement.
On 20 July 2021, the commission presented a recommendation for a council decision authorising the opening of negotiations with the UK with regard to Gibraltar and negotiating directives.
The envisaged EU-UK agreement on Gibraltar should not prejudice the issues of sovereignty and jurisdiction.