Spanish Foreign Minister Albares Addresses Brexit Implications During Visit to Algeciras Infrastructure Projects

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated on June 5, 2024, that negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union on the future of Gibraltar after Brexit have not stopped, despite the upcoming UK general election preventing a final agreement from being signed before the vote.

Albares made the remarks during a press conference in Algeciras, Cádiz, following a meeting with the President of the Junta de Andalucía, Antonio Sanz, and the mayors of the Campo de Gibraltar. He confirmed that while it would not be possible to close an agreement on Gibraltar’s future relationship with the EU before the British elections—scheduled for July 4, 2024—technical-level discussions continue to progress.

“As soon as the new Government is in charge of the United Kingdom, whoever the British decide, I will meet with my new colleague to give the last push and achieve that agreement,” Albares said, emphasizing that the delay does not halt the negotiation process.

The minister acknowledged that the early UK election “evidently make the government come into office and, it is not a government that can close that agreement,” but stressed that necessary technical meetings remain ongoing to prepare for a future deal.

Albares also indicated that, should an agreement be reached, it would not be signed before the UK elects its new government, underscoring Spain’s commitment to waiting for a stable interlocutor in London before finalizing any terms regarding Gibraltar’s post-Brexit status.