Spanish diplomats and academics raise concerns over treaty

A panel of Spanish diplomats and legal academics in Algeciras has raised concerns over the proposed Gibraltar treaty, warning it could weaken Spain’s position on sovereignty, border controls and environmental protections.

The discussion, titled “El acuerdo de Gibraltar en clave jurídica”, was held at the Paco de Lucía Interpretation Centre and organised by Europa Sur, the Spanish Diplomacy Academy and the Campo de Gibraltar branch of the Spanish Distance learning university network. 

The event brought together several prominent Spanish voices on Gibraltar, including former ambassador José Antonio de Yturriaga, a veteran diplomat who represented Spain at the UN and in Moscow, and University of Cádiz professor JesúsVerdú, who specialises in international law and cross-border environmental issues affecting the Bay of Gibraltar.

Speakers criticised the Spanish Government’s handling of post-Brexit negotiations with the UK and the European Union, with some arguing Madrid had failed to maximise its leverage during the talks. Others questioned the treaty’s legal structure, particularly proposed Schengen arrangements and the powers of future joint coordination bodies.

Environmental concerns linked to bunkering, wastewater and land reclamation also featured heavily in the discussion.

One academic summed up the scepticism in the room by saying: ‘The frontier may become more fluid, but it will not disappear’, arguing that, although routine checks at the land frontier would end, the treaty still allows border controls to be temporarily reintroduced in security, public health or emergency situations.