The negotiations, which were in their “political” phase, however had to be suspended during the U.K. general election campaign, which resulted in a Labour landslide and a change of administration in London.
‘The last sticking points’
MPs were told last year that the territory would likely have to align with some EU rules on product standards — while “juxtaposed” passport controls similar to those used on the Eurostar would be installed at its airport.
Speaking to broadcaster RTVE earlier this month, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said: “Right now, there’s a particular issue on the free movement of people and another on the free movement of goods which are the last sticking points to us being able to reach agreement.”
Albares said there was a determination on both sides to reach a deal, adding: “Those of us who have to decide on this are agreed that we have to get there and reach agreement for Gibraltar.”
U.K. officials say progress was made at the September meeting, but would not be drawn on why no further quad meetings had been scheduled. The quad meetings consist of the U.K. and Spanish foreign ministers, Gibraltar’s chief minister, and European Commission Brexit lead Maroš Šefčovič.
A spokesperson for the government of Gibraltar said it remained “committed to securing a mutually beneficial treaty that is safe and secure for Gibraltar, and which crosses none of either party’s red lines.”