The Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, has acknowledged on Monday a "constructive spirit" in the United Kingdom towards reaching an agreement that promotes "a zone of shared prosperity between Gibraltar and the Campo de Gibraltar." However, he also pointed out that "the ball is in the UK's court" for that purpose to bear fruit.
Speaking to the media in Córdoba after meeting with representatives of the Halal Institute, Albares argued that "an agreement requires two parties" once they "put a comprehensive agreement on the table." Therefore, the outcome requires "not only a Spanish proposal" but also "acceptance by the United Kingdom."
"We hope it happens as soon as possible," Albares emphasised, adding that "we are ready for the agreement."
The British government stated in March that they continue to work "intensely" towards reaching an agreement with the European Union on Gibraltar after Brexit, as a spokesperson from the British Ministry responded to Europa Press when asked if the recent agreement between London and Brussels on the Northern Ireland Protocol, known as the 'Windsor framework,' would help unlock the negotiations regarding the Rock, which have already seen twelve rounds of discussions.
"We are working intensively to conclude an agreement that can help achieve future prosperity for Gibraltar and the Campo," said the spokesperson, who did not provide further details about the status of those conversations.
London, Brussels, and the Spanish government have insisted that the negotiation on the Northern Ireland Protocol, agreed upon on February 27 by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen, and the negotiation on Gibraltar are two separate processes, although the same actors are involved: Foreign Minister James Cleverly and Vice-President of the European Commission Maros Sefcovic.
London argues that the basis for the agreement should be the political framework agreed upon between the United Kingdom and Spain on December 31, 2020, which foresees the removal of the border fence but raises the issue of border controls at the port and airport of Gibraltar.