Question 20 June 2012 Ashley Fox (ECR-Con)
Subject: Spanish vessels in Gibraltar waters
I am disappointed to report several incidents of Spain deliberately provoking the Gibraltarian authorities.Incidents over the last few weeks have included Spanish fishing vessels illegally entering British territorial waters, worryingly accompanied by armed Spanish Government Guardia Civil patrol boats. Details have also emerged of Spanish authorities radioing threats aimed at disturbing shipping docked in the port of Gibraltar.
The incidents have been met with a dignified and restrained response by the Gibraltarian and British authorities so as not to escalate the situation. However, with armed patrol vessels coming into close proximity, this has the potential to quickly turn into a lethal situation.
Will the Commission request that Spain stop interfering with the freedom of Gibraltarian fishermen to fish in accordance with the common fisheries policy?
Does the Commission believe that the threatening behaviour on the part of the Guardia Civil amounts to an infringement of the movement of labour, which is a fundamental right enjoyed by EU citizens?
Answer 24 August 2012 Commissioner Damanaki
The incidents evoked in this question have their origin in a territorial dispute between Spain and the UK in which the Commission has no powers to intervene.