The Problem of Gibraltar in British-Spanish Relations in the Context of Brexi
The article deals with the problem of Gibraltar in British-Spanish relations in light of Brexit. The provisions of the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 do not allow the UK and Spain to reach a compromise and move forward in resolving the dispute over Gibraltar. From Britain’s perspective, the Gibraltar issue appears to be a permanent and irritating element in relations with Spain. Gibraltar does not seek to return to the jurisdiction of Spain, as indicated by the results of referendums held in Gibraltar in 1967 and 2002. During the negotiations on regional cooperation in 2004, the parties announced the creation of the Forum "Dialogue on Gibraltar". In 2006, within the framework of the first ministerial meeting of the Forum, the Cordoba agreement was signed, which does not mention the problem of sovereignty, as well as other controversial issues of the Gibraltar problem, but specifically settles inter alia the problem of freedom of movement according to one of the fundamental principles of the EU. Spain considered Brexit as an opportunity to resolve a long-running historic dispute with London. According to Madrid, all parties lose from Brexit. At the same time, Spain managed to strengthen its position on the Gibraltar issue, having enlisted the support of the European Commission and the European Council. The UK as a whole voted to leave the European Union. This puts the Gibraltar in a difficult position: they do not want to leave the EU, but at the same time intend to keep belonging to the British crown.