Gibraltar in Spanish foreign policy: Brexit as an opportunity for a new approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article aims to highlight new opportunities for Spanish foreign policy in relation to Gibraltar. In the post-Franco era Gibraltar adopted the role of catalyst for national sentiment, which is highly significant given the issues Spain has with national identity and territorial cohesion. However, there is a differential approach between the two main Spanish political parties. The right-wing party seeks confrontation and polarisation for electoral gain and has put forward various proposals for co-sovereignty. The left-wing party, however, has adopted a more conciliatory approach and strives to negotiate and encourage cross-border channels of dialogue. Gibraltar’s exit from the EU and the need to reformulate its European legal status opens up an opportunity to define a new and more stable framework for relations between Gibraltar and Spain. That will be by no means an easy task.