No deal yet despite yesterday’s high-level round of EU/UK negotiations in Brussels. Whilst some Spanish media reports had suggested a deal was unlikely to be reached at the meeting, this does leave us wondering, what now?

Why did yesterday’s meeting matter?

Because of who was in the room. European Commission Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation José Manuel Albares and UK new Foreign Secretary David Lammy and our CM, Fabian Picardo. It also marked the third meeting at political level and the first one in this format under the new UK Government. 

Was any progress made?

We think so, yes. The joint statement issued by the UK, EU, Gibraltar, and Spain said, ‘discussions were constructive and productive, resulting in further progress on the complex issues of negotiations, namely in the area of people and goods’.

‘Intense’ was the word Spain’s Foreign Minister used to describe the four-hour meeting, who also said that ‘advances had been made on fundamental aspects’ of the negotiations. He also told assembled media that the negotiating teams had agreed to keep back some of the details and ground covered in the interest of the process. 

Ok, anything else I should know?

Yes. The EU’s entry-exit system (EES) seems to be running late according to the Guardian. Initially set for November, the implementation may be postponed further to avoid long queues and logistical issues at borders like Gibraltar. While the EES is expected to enhance security, the lack of field testing raises doubts about its phased introduction, with some sources suggesting a slower rollout over a year.

So, what now?

Keep trying ‘business as usual’ and await further developments in these ongoing negotiations.