Jan 28 - Concerned Citizens' Presentation Sparks Fact Finding Mission Suggestion From European Parliament Petitioning Committee
By YGTV’s Reporter In Brussels, Nicole Macedo
Despite a bitter wind chill and temperatures much lower than a delegation of Gibraltarians is used to, spirits were high during this morning's protest outside of the European Parliament in Brussels.
The Concerned Citizens group made up of approximately 50 individuals from a varied cross section of the community, was joined by MEP for the South West of the UK and Gibraltar, Sir Graham Watson, who organised a meeting between the group and their MEPs. A representative of the European Commission, and Head Secretary of the Petitioning Committee were also present during the meeting.
A presentation given by group spokesperson Cain Sanchez outlined Gibraltar's recent struggles through heightened tensions with Spain and a Spanish media hate campaign.
During the presentation Cain outlined the Government's intentions to implement an intelligence-based security system at the Frontier, to comply with the European Commission's recommendations on clamping down on tobacco smuggling through the frontier. These measures would include face recognition capabilities.
European Commission Response
Responding to the presentation, a representative for European Commission member Cecilia Malmstrom, expressed the strength of his and the Commission's feelings towards the issues between Spain and Gibraltar. Following claims that the Commission was not doing enough to remedy the situation, he insisted that the Commission was following the issue closely and are still awaiting a response to the letters of recommendation sent to both the UK and Spain. He went on to state that Spain had said that they would reply to the Commission soon.
Peter Bosch, who is involved in dealing with the Gibraltar/ Spain matter, said that he personally felt strongly about it. He added that the Commission's role now was not about enforcement, but about gradually building up a case to assess the situation. He was adamant that the Commission is 'committed to free movement' and is aware that 'things are not the way they should be'.
When asked a question on how much influence they have over the issues of extensive frontier queues and politically motivated frontier checks on Spain's part, Mr. Bosch claimed that the Gibraltar/ Spain situation was a difficult one because the frontier is not part of the Schengen agreement. He added that if it were a member, the issue could have been taken directly to the European Court. Mr. Bosch also said that the Commission was in close touch with both sides of the Frontier.
Following a question on whether Gibraltar could join the Schengen agreement, following a common visa policy to other Schengen borders and abolishing internal borders, Sir Graham Watson explained that whilst France's borders are part of the Schengen area, its Overseas Territories' borders' are not, meaning that Gibraltar could theoretically become a Schengen member, even if the UK is not.
On behalf of the EU's Petitioning Committee, David Lowe said that the Concerned Citizens' petition, containing over 10,000 signatures, would be registered and could result in a further fact finding mission being carried out in Gibraltar and Spain, but this time by the Petitions Committee.
The Concerned Citizens group is set to carry out further protests outside the European Commission building tomorrow morning.
Look out for a more detailed video report on today's protest and presentation on YGTV, very soon.
