British Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron is scheduled to participate in a significant meeting on April 12, 2024, in Brussels concerning the future relationship of Gibraltar with the European Union following Brexit. This meeting will include discussions with key figures such as Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, and European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič.

The central issues to be addressed encompass the management of Gibraltar’s border with Spain and the oversight of the territory’s airport. These talks follow a series of 17 negotiation rounds since October 2021 aimed at forming a lasting agreement. Concerns have been raised by UK representatives, including veteran Conservative MP Sir Bill Cash about potential compromises on sovereignty, such as joint UK-Spanish management of Gibraltar’s airport and EU border checks within the territory. However, the UK government, represented by Foreign Office Minister David Rutley, has pledged not to accept any terms that undercut Gibraltar’s sovereignty and will proceed only with arrangements that gain the approval of Gibraltar’s government.

Despite the complexities and high stakes involved in the negotiations, which coincide with the historical anniversary of Gibraltar’s cession to Britain in 1713, a definitive agreement is not anticipated to emerge from this meeting. However, officials have expressed a cautious optimism about achieving progressive results. The focus of the meeting is to work towards a resolution that takes into account the interests of all parties and provides a secure future for Gibraltar post-Brexit.