Spain votes "yes" to Brexit agreement after achieving triple shield on future of Gibraltar

Brussels (Belgium)

Pedro Sánchez explained that Spain voted "yes" to the agreement, after achieving a "triple shield" on Gibraltar, which includes the commitment from the 27 Member States and the European Commission not never negotiate an agreement with the United Kingdom involving Gibraltar without the approval of Spain.

Withdrawal Agreement

The Withdrawal Agreement establishes the framework for the orderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom and includes aspects of special interest for Spain, such as safeguarding the rights of EU citizens in the United Kingdom and vice versa; a financial arrangement which ensures that the United Kingdom will meet its commitments and that guarantees, within the current financial framework, payments to farmers, to regions and other beneficiaries of EU funding; a sound system of governance, with an important role for the Court of Justice of the European Union; respect for the integrity of the internal market and, lastly, guarantees cooperation on criminal and judicial matters, key in the fight against organised crime and terrorism. It also establishes a transition period until 31 December 2020 that will allow the United Kingdom and the 27 Member States to adapt to the new reality.

The President of the Government stressed the importance of the Withdrawal Agreement for Spanish economic agents, from the manufacturing sector, to fruit and vegetable exporters, as well as the industrial sector, because they will be able to continue their export activities within a suitable framework, whilst laying solid foundations for future trading relations. It will also be positive for companies that invest in the United Kingdom and for the tourism sector, given that the United Kingdom is the largest emitting market of inbound tourists to our country.

Political Declaration

The text of the Political Declaration frames future relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom and the main principles on which they are based; respect for the independence of decisions taken by the European Union, the defence of the internal market and the four freedoms. The President of the Government stressed that the Political Declaration will allow us to continue enjoying strong economic relations, which is particularly important for Spain, given our trade surplus. This declaration also includes the aim of reaching agreement on air transport, a key element for our country. In addition, on fisheries matters, it makes it clear that the fisheries agreement must be concluded before the end of the transition period, binding access to territorial waters and markets.

Triple shield on Gibraltar

Pool Moncloa / Fernando CalvoThe Government of Spain attained the necessary guarantees of the key role of Spain in relation to Gibraltar, a "triple institutional shield". These declarations, one from the European Union and the other from the United Kingdom, rule out the application of Article 184 of the Withdrawal Agreement to future relations, including at a territorial level, and a Political Declaration from the European Commission - the guarantor of the treaties - and from the European Council, that strengthens Spain's position in any future negotiations in relation to Gibraltar, which excludes Gibraltar from general negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom, and which requires the previous agreement of Spain to negotiate any European Union agreement on Gibraltar.

In short, "this is a reasonable agreement", said the President of the Government, "which guarantees the rights and liberties of Spanish citizens in the United Kingdom, offers certainties to economic sectors" and which, in relation to Gibraltar, "places Spain in a position of strength", such as we had never before had since we joined the European Economic Community, as it was called at the time.

Non official translation