UK–Spain Dispute: Gibraltar

The United Kingdom and Spain dispute sovereignty over Gibraltar, a 6.7 km² peninsula at the southern tip of Iberia, guarding the Mediterranean entrance. Key points:

• 1713: Ceded to Britain in perpetuity by Treaty of Utrecht (War of Spanish Succession).
• Status: British Overseas Territory; self-governing in internal affairs; UK handles defence/foreign policy.
• Spanish Claim: Argues Treaty of Utrecht granted only the town and fortifications, not the isthmus/airport/waters; demands return.
• Referendums: 1967 (99.6% remain British), 2002 (98.9% reject shared sovereignty).
• Post-Brexit: Gibraltar left EU with UK; negotiations ongoing for a treaty governing Schengen-area access and fluid border with Spain.

The dispute remains diplomatic; both sides affirm peaceful resolution.