Spain attempts to get Gibraltar sovereignty dispute into EU Brexit document

SPAIN has called on the EU to include references to the ‘decolonisation’ of Gibraltar in future EU laws in the event of a no-deal Brexit, according to British media reports.

A Daily Telegraph report based on leaked documents claimed Spanish officials had attempted to put a footnote into draft EU legislation on visa-free travel in a no-deal scenario.

The text of the footnote would commit the EU to recognising that a dispute exists between Spain and Britain on sovereignty over Gibraltar if adopted.

The footnote would also state that the British enclave is registered on the UN’s Non Self-Governing Territories list. Territories on the list are those that have not yet gain full independence, according to the UN.

The draft EU document listed all of Britain’s overseas territories with Gibraltar marked and a reference to the footnote.

Gibraltar officials said the Spanish push for the footnote in the document would have no practical effect.

EU sources said Spain was attempting to demonstrate its power and leverage on Gibraltar as Britain’s withdrawal from the EU on Friday March 29 draws closer, according to The Telegraph.