Madrid and the European Commission have presented London with a proposal that would abolish the border fence separating the British enclave of Gibraltar from Spain.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said in a statement that the text submitted to the UK is a comprehensive proposal that includes provisions on movement with the aim of removing the border fence and ensuring freedom of movement.
Albaris added that the aim of the proposal is to remove the border fence and ensure the smooth passage of people and goods within the framework of establishing what he described as a common prosperity area, noting that his country agreed to set aside its claim to sovereignty over Gibraltar to focus on the opportunity to keep the borders open.
In particular, the proposal states that "Spain shall exercise, on behalf of the European Union, control and protection of the internal market, as long as the customs controls between Spain and Gibraltar are to disappear."
The implementation of the proposed plan that was sent to Britain requires that Spain, on behalf of the Schengen area, ensure control of the external borders of Gibraltar to be able to exercise certain functions and powers necessary for the security of the Schengen area, according to the Spanish Foreign Ministry statement.
On the other hand, Gibraltar's First Minister Fabian Picardo said that the Spanish Foreign Minister's statements present Spain's view on the ongoing negotiations to elaborate the details of a post-Brexit treaty with the European Union regarding the future of the British enclave.
"The UK and Gibraltar also have proposals on the table that are designed to benefit the people of the entire region," he added.
In 2020, Madrid and London reached a framework agreement on Gibraltar before the entry into force of the Brexit agreement, to allow this British enclave located in southern Spain to benefit from the European Schengen agreements.
The agreement stipulates that Gibraltar remain part of European Union agreements such as the Schengen area, and that Spain monitor the security of the port and airport, pending a final solution.
The Schengen Agreement allows free movement of people and goods between the 26 member states, including 22 countries belonging to the European Union.
But the details of this agreement have not yet been determined, and since Gibraltar is not a sovereign state, it cannot become a member of the Schengen.
Gibraltar is self-governing and has a population of 34,000, and about 15,000 people, mostly Spaniards, cross the border every day to go to the British enclave to work.