On April 11, the UK Foreign Secretary, Lord David Cameron, travelled to Brussels for a meeting to discuss the future of Gibraltar’s ties with the European Union post-Brexit.
The talks were attended by European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, and Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares.
With the UK exit from the European Union, a custody battle is undeniably on the horizon over Gibraltar. This strategic, self-governing British overseas territory, spanning 2.6 square miles and home to more than 33,000 people.
Also, this territory controls the only entry point into the Mediterranean from the Atlantic Ocean.
Even though 96% of Gibraltar voted to remain in the EU in 2016, the residents’ loyalty remains with Britain.
UK, Spain & Gibraltar: Historical Summary
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian peninsula. It shares a border with Spain.
Its history is rich and fortified, having served as a stronghold for the Romans, Spanish, and British.
During World War II, it played a pivotal role as a ship repair harbor and gathering point for the invasion of North Africa. Additionally, it was in control of almost all naval traffic in and out of the Mediterranean Sea.
During the Cold War, Gibraltar housed communication systems, runway facilities, and ports for NATO.
Following the War of the Spanish Succession, Spain ceded Gibraltar to the UK under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. On April 11, 2024, the territory marked 311 years since its cession to the UK.
Despite Spain’s ambition to change Gibraltar’s status, the people of Gibraltar want to remain British.
Gibraltar Strategic Importance
The Strait of Gibraltar is a crucial waterway separating Europe from Africa. Also, it is critical to allow access to the Mediterranean from the Atlantic Ocean.
Exporters from the Middle East and Asia can quickly ship crude oil, LNG, and consumer goods through the Mediterranean Sea via the Strait of Gibraltar to the UK, Northern Europe, and the United States.
The Strait’s strategic location makes it a crucial part of national security as it is situated in the sight of unstable North Africa, the Sahel belt, where Islamist extremism is increasing.
Britain has a military airbase for stopovers and repairing nuclear submarines, and an intelligence base in Gibraltar.
The UK is resolved to keep Gibraltar for communications and intelligence reasons and to monitor traffic along the Strait.
In the long run, Gibraltar will remain under the control of the UK. Spain lacks the economic and military power to challenge the UK for control of the vital Strait.
However, the UK’s decision to leave the EU in 2016 created problems in Gibraltar as thousands of people cross the border with Spain daily to work, shop, or visit family.
The territory was not included in the permanent UK-EU Brexit deal and operates under ad hoc arrangements.