Tensions in the waters around Gibraltar surface amid clashes between Spain and the United Kingdom
August typically brings a surge of maritime activity near the British territory, but recent weeks have shown a troubling shift. After Gibraltar held elections, negotiations over the Rocky Treaty faltered on a range of issues tied to the future of the military base in the region. Spain has prepared formal complaints through the usual diplomatic channels, a move reported by El Periódico de España and other outlets from the Prensa Ibérica group. The objective is to lodge a verbal protest through formal diplomatic notes with the British authorities.
The first incident occurred on August 14 when a patrol vessel from the Customs Surveillance Service detected a vessel without lights and without automatic identification, an auxiliary craft from Gibraltar. The vessel attempted a dodging maneuver and escaped. The Spanish side claimed the incident significantly endangered the Spanish patrol and its officers. The customs declaration indicated the encounter took place in Spanish waters, a claim Gibraltar disputes by insisting those waters are its own. Algeciras mayor Jose Ignacio Landaluce criticized the episode, while Gibraltar’s Prime Minister Fabian Picardo argued that the waters belong to Gibraltar and urged a more cooperative tone if both sides hope for a shared future, referencing ongoing discussions about the border fence between the two territories.
The second incident on August 21 involved a Spanish fisherman accused by Gibraltar of illegal fishing in waters they consider theirs near the Rock. The Gibraltar authorities described the actions as dangerous boating and said they harmed endangered species. The Mi Daniela, a 33 year old fisherman named Jonathan Sánchez, reportedly contested the claim, saying he was fishing in Spanish waters and was forced to surrender documents under threat of arrest. He has since relocated his fishing grounds and awaits a summons in Gibraltar courts. Spain has not issued a formal decision on this matter at this time.
The most recent development occurred last Thursday when Gibraltar environmental authorities accused the crew of a Spanish pleasure boat of fishing tuna unlawfully along the coast. The Spanish vessel was summoned to respond to the Gibraltar authorities, but the matter did not progress after the arrival of the Spanish ship, which then departed the area. El Periódico de España sought comment from the British embassy and the Spanish Foreign Ministry, but neither party provided a statement at that time. Observers affiliated with the reporting outfit interpret these events as a nationalistic message from Picardo in the lead up to elections scheduled for later this year.
The government of Gibraltar reiterates that its surrounding waters belong to it. Officials counter that ideas about the Utrecht Treaty and earlier claims are outdated, arguing that modern maritime law governs the present disputes and that the law of the sea, established in the 20th century, backs their stance.
Criticism from political parties
The mayor of Algeciras criticized the foreign minister for not speaking more firmly on what he called harassment of fishermen from La Línea and Algeciras. The Andalusian regional government echoed calls to end the harassment and asserted Spain has jurisdiction over the waters where the incidents occurred. Conil, an artisanal fisheries group, urged both the Spanish and Rock Governments to begin a dialogue to clearly define the practical limits of national fishing waters.
The United Kingdom and the European Union have been negotiating for two years on how to implement the London Madrid deal, including plans to integrate Gibraltar into a Schengen area and to establish a shared prosperity corridor between Campo de Gibraltar and the Rock. Negotiations stalled toward the end of last year and remain paused as country governance transitions unfold. The discussions focus on the future status of Gibraltar in relation to the EU framework, with Madrid pressing for clear provisions on supervision of entries to ports, airports, and the presence of military personnel and equipment. Diplomatic sources view recent moves by the British Ministry of Defence as showing strength in the region, alongside the visit of senior officials who signaled continued military support for Gibraltar. A plan announced by London to hold a series of exercises later that month aims to demonstrate a robust defense posture in the area.
According to coverage by the same reporting outlet, the military base remains a central obstacle in the wider treaty talks. Spain seeks a formal defense cooperation agreement with its NATO ally that would include sharing information about facilities and personnel moving through the Rock, potentially featuring liaison officers from Spain’s Air Force or Navy. London and Gibraltar, however, deny that such arrangements are part of the 2020 New Year’s Eve framework that would guide European Union negotiations on Gibraltar’s final status. Spain argues that authorities must supervise entry of people and goods at ports and airports, and also oversee the flow of soldiers and military materiel. Observers note that the latest round of high level visits and discussions underscores the competition to assert control over the base and its strategic importance in the region. London has indicated that exercises will proceed in the near term to reinforce visibility of the military presence in Gibraltar, illustrating how security considerations intersect with diplomatic talks.