Sovereignty conflicts like Gibraltar in
which several international agents claim sovereign rights for different reasons
over the same piece of land have a particular feature: their solution seems to
require a mutually exclusive relation amongst the agents because the
sovereignty over the third territory can be for only one of them. Indeed,
sovereignty seems to be an absolute concept (that is to say, exclusive, and not
shareable).
Gibraltar
is a clear example of a zero sum game, with many negative outcomes of different
sorts (e.g. military, tax heavens, inefficient exploitation of natural
resources, tension in international relations). Thus, while these conflicts are
in principle confined to specific areas and start with negative consequences
primarily for the local population, they tend quickly to expand to the regional
and—even—the international level. The effect of Brexit remains unknown. Yet, it
is evident there are many issues at stake domestically and internationally.
Only to have a glimpse, today’s posts
included below articles from the media covering this territorial dispute. In
all cases, although this sovereignty dispute has been and is object of study of
many sciences—law, political sciences, international relations, only to name a
few—these sciences do not share their developments and both different
approaches and different languages were applied. Indeed, although multi and
inter-disciplinary studies are promoted in speeches everywhere, it is more a
nominal aim rather than an actual reality.
I
realised that the answer was very simple. Some problems are never solved
because most look for more problems, problems within a problem, or just simply
give up or are so self-centred they think that problem will not affect them and
hence, why would they even think about it. Ergo, the answer came to me: some
problems like Gibraltar are never solved because people (or their representatives)
do not look for a solution.
Gibraltar
Chronicle
Clause 24 is ‘a solidarity lever’ for Spain, Barnier says
“The controversial
‘Clause 24’ veto granted to Spain by the European Union in its Brexit
negotiating guidelines reflects the “unanimous solidarity” of the remaining EU
members with the Spanish position on Gibraltar.”
Brexit: Gibraltar
keeps calm but is ready to play hardball
“[…] 20% of UK
motor insurance is estimated to be sold by Gibraltar companies and 60% of all
online gaming bets are taken by firms on the Rock […]”
“[…] about 13,000
people – 8,000 of them Spaniards – cross into Gibraltar to work each day.”
BBC
Spain
hopeful of Gibraltar deal with the UK by summer
“The
UK says "informal" talks are going on about Gibraltar's post-Brexit
future with Spain.”
“Mr Dastis has previously said that sovereignty would
not be an issue in Brexit negotiations.”
“Instead Madrid wants joint
management of Gibraltar's airport and more co-operation on tax fraud and border
controls.”
Forbes
Lendo Epitomises Emergence Of
Gibraltar As A Blockchain Country
“Gibraltar, a place that has
proved contentious between the UK and Spain, perhaps making it the perfect
place as a bridge between two worlds; in this case financial, not political.”
“The strategy for Gibraltar
appears to be simple. Create an ecosystem where investor safety is of the
utmost importance, regulation is key and led by the Gibraltar Blockchain
Exchange (GBX), a subsidiary of the Gibraltar Stock Exchange.”
The
Wall Street Journal
Another Rock
on the Road to Brexit: Gibraltar
“The
territory’s chief minister, Fabian Picardo, said in an interview he was
concerned about its impact on residents who depend on trade and an open
frontier with Spain—particularly the 13,000 people who cross the border daily
to work. He also expressed worries that Spain could use Brexit to press its
longstanding attempts to reclaim the territory.”
“Clare Moody,
a British member of the European Parliament representing Gibraltar, said she
was concerned that amid the multitude of issues Brexit arises, the U.K.
government won’t set out clearly what Brexit will mean for the territory,
creating uncertainty for businesses.”
El
País
Life
around Gibraltar: one line, two very different worlds
“Gibraltar’s
economy is robust and powered by financial services and technology. The Rock’s
economy is fuelled by a magically low 10% corporate tax and exemption from
sales tax (VAT), a combination in place since 2009 that attracts companies from
all over Europe. In the meantime, La Línea’s economy is depressed and has been
for a long time […]”
“The
Spanish town of La Línea de la Concepción lies just 50 metres from the border. It
has a population of 63,000 and an unemployment rate of 35%. On the Rock,
unemployment is at 1% and GDP per capita is EUR 64,000. The contrast is
striking. While Gibraltar thrives and fortunes are pooled and invested, La Línea
is dealing with conflictive gangs and drugs […]: La Línea has an annual budget
of EUR 50 million and a debt of EUR 160 million […]”
2th
April 2018
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