Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, on the border with Spain. The relationship between Gibraltar and Spain can be described in the following aspects:

Border: Spain does not recognize the government of Gibraltar and considers Gibraltar part of its territory, which leads to ongoing border disputes between the two. In 1969, Spain closed its border with Gibraltar, which was only reopened in 1985. Since 2016, the border has seen long queues for passport control, partly due to Spain’s insufficient preparation for the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union.

Legal Status: The legal status of Gibraltar is determined in negotiations between London and Madrid. Spain does not recognize British sovereignty over Gibraltar and has, for many years, tried to regain this territory by negotiating access to the border and claiming rights over the territory itself.

Economic Ties: Gibraltar is a tax haven and an economic center. Spain puts pressure on Gibraltar to minimize its tax advantages and cooperate with Spanish trading interests. In turn, Gibraltar depends on Spain for the supply of certain products that it cannot produce itself.

Cultural Connections: Spain and Gibraltar share centuries-old ties, reflected in the many monuments and tourist trails within Gibraltar. Nevertheless, relations have long been marked by conflict.

Military Presence: Gibraltar hosts British military forces, which is a source of significant concern for Spain. Madrid fears that the territory could be used by the UK for espionage activities targeting Spain’s offshore oil and gas fields.