That second meeting between the UK, Spain and the European Commission to negotiate an agreement that should determine the post-Brexit situation in Gibraltar This has been extended by six hours, but It has ended without a deal. In a joint statement, the parties explained that “important progress” had been made, they expressed confidence that the agreement was “getting closer,” and they urged each other to continue working. “Today’s discussions took place in a constructive atmosphere, with important advances and additional areas in the agreement,” they said. Spanish foreign ministers, Jose Manuel Albaresand from England, David Cameronhas met in Brussels with the vice president of the European Commission, Maroš Šefčovič, and the Prime Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, as they did on April 12. “The meeting reaffirmed our shared commitment to conclude an EU-UK agreement to bring trust, security and legal stability to people’s lives in the region (Gibraltar), protecting and improving the economy, trade, mobility, environment and social welfare. -is maintaining the legal position of the parties,” they said in their statement.

Unlike the meeting on April 12, on this occasion there were no specific details regarding the agreement reached. A month ago, the parties established “general political line” regarding key issues for moving this agreement forward, such as airport, mobility or goods. Later, Albares assured that he would like to be able to finalize the agreement “tomorrow”, but admitted that there was still work to be done, which would continue in the coming weeks. After nearly five weeks, the deal has yet to materialize, but progress appears to be continuing.

Agreement to redefine Gibraltar’s legal status

The agreement that should result from these meetings has been under negotiation for more than two and a half years, and the aim is to resolve the situation in Gibraltar, a British territory located south of Spain that was not included in the agreement. Britain’s exit from the EU. The basis of these negotiations is the New Year’s Eve Agreement, signed in December 2020 by the Spanish and British governments, and which envisages removal of the fence and entry of Gibraltar into the Schengen area. The main hurdle to reaching an agreement is determining who will be responsible for customs control and management of the airport, which is located on the isthmus that connects Gibraltar’s rock with the peninsula, a disputed territory.