Negotiations between the UK and EU to broker post-Brexit Gibraltar negotiations have been left unresolved.
Both sides insisted a deal was “getting closer” as Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron and European Commission negotiator Maros Sefcovic issued reassuring statements about the British overseas territory on the Iberian peninsula.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares and Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo were also involved in negotiations.
Despite the situation remaining unresolved, a joint statement welcomed the progress made.
Gibraltar hangs in the balance as Brexit negotiations unresolved
GETTYIt said: “Today’s discussions took place in a constructive atmosphere, with important breakthroughs and additional areas of agreement.
“All sides are reassured that the agreement is getting closer and will work closely and rapidly on outstanding areas towards an overall EU-UK agreement.”
There is little faith outstanding issues can be resolved ahead of the EU Parliamentary Elections next month.
Sefcovic declined to give further comment about the potential dates, adding: “We want to achieve rapid progress and, if possible, the conclusion of the negotiations and the outstanding agreement, which is in the interest of all of us, as soon as possible.”
Negotiators made “significant progress” on issuing related to the economy, trade, environment and social wellbeing.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron
PAHowever, there was little progress made on border checks.
Under the proposed free-movement deal Gibraltar’s airport would be an external border of the EU.
But the UK and the Rock have been resisting Madrid’s calls for Spanish border officials to be based at the airport.
Negotiators instead proposed officials from the EU border agency, Frontex, carry out checks.
Lord Cameron, who is facing a barrage of criticism from Brexit-backing Tory backbenchers, left Brussels without addressing the media.
European Commission’s Maros Sefcovic said the EU will promise to 'work together intensively and faithfully to implement all elements of the Windsor Framework'PAGibraltar voted by 96 per cent to remain in the Brussels bloc during the UK’s 2016 referendum on EU membership.
Every day 15,000 people cross the border for work or leisure, making the end to free movement of people particularly problematic.
Sir Bill Cash, who chairs the Commons' European Scrutiny Committee, last week warned allowing checks by EU border guards at Gibraltar airport as “erod[ing] British sovereignty to the point of meaninglessness”.
Cameron also held routine talks on the Brexit withdrawal deal and the UK-EU trade and cooperation agreement with Sefcovic.
The Foreign Secretary, who led the defeated 2016 remain campaign, said: “The UK and EU share a close and pragmatic partnership, addressing shared challenges together.”