Ten Different Formulas for Gibraltar Post-Brexit

Abstract

Undoubtedly Brexit creates a number of difficulties not only for the United Kingdom and the European Union, but also for Gibraltar. This territory made clear its position on Brexit in the 2016 referendum, where 96 per cent of its citizens voted in support of remaining in the European Union (EU). In this sense, Gibraltarians are EU citizens, who have been great supporters of the European integration project. For its part, the EU seems reluctant to seek an ad hoc agreement for Gibraltar which preserves their special relationship. Among all the difficulties that Brexit poses to Gibraltar, this paper argues that the political weakness and uncertainty that Brexit generates is not only caused by Brexit itself, but by the current legal and political status of Gibraltar, which Brexit has made clear. Gibraltar’s Constitution gives it the right to self-determination, and Brexit represents an opportunity to discuss a new future. So, this paper proposes ten formulas which create conditions for greater certainty for Gibraltar in the post-Brexit scenario.

Keywords: Gibraltar, Brexit, British Overseas Territory, United Kingdom, European Union, Self-determination, Future Status