Apr 23 - CFG Emphasises Quiet Progress Being Made During Brexit Negotiations
Despite the anxiety caused by Brexit negotiations, the Cross Frontier Group is keen to emphasise the quiet progress that can be made. Both during negotiations and with arrangements post-Brexit.
A Spokesperson from the Cross Frontier Group said: "From our humble beginnings the transversal approach we have adopted on all frontier issues has characterised our evolution into a legitimately respected interlocutor in the wider debate. By parking red-line issues like sovereignty we have been able promote and indeed lead greater economic, social and cultural cooperation across the frontier. As representatives of the broadest sphere of civic society, both in Gibraltar and the Campo Area, our opinion is often sought by the various bodies interested in and indeed responsible for a favourable diplomatic outcome to the Brexit impasse.
"The Group’s disposition to steadily and unceasingly transmit its cross-frontier concerns to its interlocutors underpins its value as an effective pressure group. From our recent submissions to the House of Lords, European Union Committee, to our frequent meetings with political and diplomatic bodies on either side of the border, and beyond in Brussels and London, our interventions guarantee that the concerns of the citizens of Gibraltar and the Campo area are widely known.
"Another fundamental value within the group is it's persistent pursuit of consensual objectives. Representing a wide cross-section of interests on either side, it is essential that it maintains an approach that the group, in its entirety, feels comfortable with. When we speak as a group the public can be sure that what we say is by consensus and in this unity lies our esteem.
Regarding future initiatives we are glad to announce that we are working on a draft Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Gibraltar, the Junta de Andalucia and the Cross Frontier Group for the setting up of an EGTC (European
Grouping of Territorial Cooperation) under the Committee of Regions of the European Union. These groupings are European Union legal entities for cross-border, transnational and interregional cooperation of public bodies.
"The group views the EGTC as a useful vehicle for the formal establishment of cross-frontier agreements (in many fields) which can attract EU funding and commitment to our area. With respect to our lobbying activities, our press office is currently organising meetings with all political bodies represented in the Gibraltar Parliament whilst on the Spanish side we shall continue to meet with political representatives of all parties to explain possible consequences of post-Brexit arrangements.
"On the 3rd of May we shall be attending a meeting of the Comision Parlamentaria of the Spanish Congreso de Diputados which is taking an urgent interest in the effects of Brexit in the neighbouring region. A new round of lobbying visits to the United Kingdom and European Parliaments is also being arranged and we hope to announce dates and outcomes in due course. An updated version of our Brexit declaration is being prepared to include latest available data and demands of the Group. This will be published in due course and form the basis of our representations to our interlocutors in all future meetings.
"Conscience of the prominent role we are all called to play during this period of uncertainty, the Cross Frontier Group holds one fervent wish; that all political and diplomatic efforts are directed towards a positive outcome to the Brexit challenge and
that rather than a threat we can turn it into an opportunity to deepen the economic, social and cultural links that bind us in an effort to bring prosperity and a reconciliatory spirit to this beautiful corner of the world."
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