A 300-year-old argument between Spain and Great Britain is entering a new phase. The chief beef is over Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located on the southern tip of Spain’s Iberian Peninsula. Now with Brexit on the line (Britain's plan to leave the European Union), Spain may have a bargaining chip to regain at least some control of the territory, one of Europe’s wealthiest locations. Yesterday, British authorities consented to Spanish demands about Gibraltar.
The Rock of Gibraltar is a massive limestone landform located in the territory of Gibraltar. Calling someone or something a “Rock of Gibraltar” means it is very sure, safe, or strong.
In 1713, Spain ceded the 2.6-square-mile territory of Gibraltar to Britain after the War of Spanish Succession. Spain has spent the last 300+ years trying to reclaim it. Each time Great Britain has held onto control.
Today, Gibraltar is a mostly self-governed tourist haven. But Britain controls its foreign policy and defense.
As debate about Brexit continues, Britain finds itself needing the support of the very countries it is trying to break away from. (See “Brexit Arrives” and “Supreme Court Rules on Brexit.”)
This week, European Union (EU) members are finalizing the Brexit agreement— the rules of travel between the EU and the United Kingdom, how much money the UK owes the EU, what happens to UK citizens living elsewhere, and so on. EU diplomats must vote on the agreement sometime before March 29, 2019.
Meanwhile, Spain has been warning that it will oppose the deal if it doesn’t get a say about Gibraltar. In fact, a Spanish spokeswoman says Spain won’t settle for anything less than veto power over any issue regarding Gibraltar.
The Brexit agreement doesn’t have to be approved unanimously, so Spain can’t actually veto that. But Spain could delay future trade deals between Britain and the EU.
In a major concession yesterday, Great Britain announced it will negotiate with Spain about the future of Gibraltar.
(A Spanish flag flies on top of the customs house on the Spanish side of the border between Spain and the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, with the Rock as a background. AP Photo)
