Fabian Picardo says EU will want final Treaty text before announcing agreement

The Chief Minister has hinted that a Treaty might only be announced once there is a legal text that has been translated into the native language of each of the 27 EU countries.

Fabian Picardo said the EU would be “reticent” to make a political announcement before this “legal scrub”, adding he hopes to give a clearer answer soon.

In response to questions from the Leader of the Opposition, the Chief Minister said it is not in the interests of Gibraltar to give a date when a Treaty might be agreed until such time as the process is actually finished. Otherwise his own statement would strangle Gibraltar in the negotiations, he said.

Treaty: think trade deal, not Utrecht

Mr Picardo was keen to stress that what is being negotiated is not a treaty regarding the sovereignty of Gibraltar. He said nothing could be further from the negotiating table. He said the Treaty of Utrecht handed over Gibraltar’s sovereignty to Britain and will remain in force in perpetuity.

Mr Picardo says what is being negotiated is a trade deal. He told Parliament it’s about how goods can get across the border (into and out of Gibraltar), what duties are levied on those goods and also how immigration - the movement of people - is managed.

Keith Azopardi told Parliament the legal text is what’s going to bring clarity for businesses and individuals.

Mr Picardo confirmed he is briefing businesses leaders on Treaty progress. He recognised that the devil will be in the detail.