Nov 15 Government Response to EU Statement
Commission Statement Contains Very Positive Recommendations
Her Majesty's Government of Gibraltar notes that the EU Commission has said it has "found no evidence" during its one day visit to the Gibraltar land frontier with Spain that the frontier checks being carried out by Spain are contrary to EU treaty requirements. This finding flies in the face of the reality being experienced by commuters and travellers and will serve only to encourage the sort of bullying tactics that have characterised the past four months at the frontier. The Gibraltar Government joins the British Government in considering that the recent increased checks are unlawful and politically motivated.
The Defenders of Gibraltar are disappointed by the recent statement by the EU Commission, which is a clear and blatant attempt to side step the serious issue of politically motivated Frontier Queues which Gibraltar has had to endure since the reopening of the Frontier. Many Gibraltarians and other nationalities that work in Gibraltar are rightly angry to read that the European Commission did not find evidence to conclude that Spanish authorities had infringed upon the relevant provisions of Union law.
Regarding this afternoon’s announcement by the European Commission that their fact finding mission found no fault with Spanish border checks, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have welcomed the recommendation that the Spanish Government should take measures to ensure that the frontier functions efficiently, as well as their decision to review the situation once again in six months.
Following the European Commission’s fact finding mission at the Gibraltar – Spain Frontier in September, the Commission today announced that letters have been sent to the authorities of Spain and the United Kingdom addressing the issues raised by the border and customs controls between Spain and Gibraltar.
