An unprecedentedly highest level Gibexit meeting has been announced for Friday to be held in Brussels. It follows hot on the heels of ‘The Times’ report that a Gibexit deal was imminent (see immediately preceding blog).
Tomorrow’s meeting is seen as seminal, with continued expressions of optimism from most parties, primarily and emphatically from Gibraltar Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo.
It is the level of meeting that would be expected when an important announcement is likely to be made. A Gibexit deal will be finalised.
TOP LEVEL BRUSSELS MEETING
The top-level Gibexit treaty meeting will take place amid increasing expressions of optimism about the probability of a Gibexit deal coming from all who are involved.
The meeting will engage Lord Cameron and Jose Manuel Albares, respectively the UK and Spanish Foreign Ministers, Maros Sefcovic, the EU Commissioner charged with leading the Gibexit talks, and Mr Picardo.
Mr Picardo will be accompanied by the Deputy Chief Minister, Joseph Garcia, the Attorney General, Michael Llamas (who has been in Brussels for a week), and the Chief Secretary, Glendon Martinez.
CLOSE TO RESOLUTION
GBC has reported that “The European Commission has indicated that negotiations on a future EU treaty for Gibraltar are closer to a resolution than ever before.” It is such a treaty that is referred to as a Gibexit Treaty or deal.
GBC has gone on to report that, “Maros Sefcovic said there’d been enough rounds of talks at a technical level, and it was now time to evaluate the progress politically… Friday’s high-level meeting is seen as make or break for the talks.” If it is not “break”, it must be “make”.
POLITICAL PROGRESS ASSESSMENT
The Gibraltar Chronicle quotes Mr Sefcovic as having said “I believe that we should now proceed with, I would say assessment of the progress on the political level.”
It goes on to report him, reflecting reports on GBC, as having “… described how negotiations over Gibraltar are sensitive and “technically extremely demanding.” [and that] negotiations have had a “constructive atmosphere”.” Saying that “the teams are working extremely well together.
He was at pains to emphasise that “As you know, we are negotiating with the UK. But… we are in very close contact with our Spanish colleagues.”
There is no room to doubt the huge involvement and influence that Spain has in the overall Gibexit negotiation. It is a reality that will greatly impact on any Gibexit treaty that may be finalised, as indeed will be the influence of Gibraltar’s views as expressed by those attending the Gibexit talks on its behalf.
UK RETICENCE – SPAIN’S
Reports indicate that the UK is also reticent to overly emphasise optimism.
The UK government does not reveal that a Gibexit deal is imminent, rather it suggests that Friday’s reunion will allow for further advance.
PICARDO’S BOLDNESS
Mr Picardo is reported as having said, “I am optimistic that the meeting on Friday will very positively advance matters and move us firmly into the territory for delivery of this treaty.”
He is also quoted in the Gibraltar Chronicle, “I look forward to engaging on treaty issues with different parties later this week, Gibraltar remains fully committed to secure a safe treaty that will govern our future relationship with the EU.”
He reassures all that he will not bring back a Gibexit deal that is not safe, but he expresses confidence “… that we may be able to agree a positive and constructive way forward… I know this will be very good news for people in Gibraltar and the whole region around us, as well as for the wider UK family, Spain and even the EU.”
HUGE HINTS OF A DEAL
What greater hint of an announcement can one get than all those positive pronouncements. An opposite conclusion could only give rise to the view that Mr Picardo had behaved irresponsibly.
The likelihood of major progress and the likelihood of a major announcement is also shown by Mr Picardo being accompanied to Friday’s meeting by such a high-level entourage from Gibraltar.
Spain has indicated also that there has been progress on important issues. It shows also that an announcement is probable.
ALBARES STATEMENTS
Reinforcing that conclusion, Europa Sur further today reports that Snr Albares has said on Spanish radio “Onda Cero” that the intention is to announce on Friday “a great agreement on general lines”, saying that “… each time we are closer to agreement on everything…”
He goes so far as to say, “The physical disappearance of the [border fence] is one of the agreements…”, and that it may come about before this coming summer.
HIGHEST LEVEL NEGOTIATION
A statement from the Government said, “It will be the highest level, multilateral negotiation ever attended by any Chief Minister of Gibraltar, and it reflects the variable geometry which has characterised such discussions ever since they commenced.”
It must also reflect the geometry needed for an announcement to be made. We must wait patiently for a little more than 24 hours.