Spain Seeks to Redefine Status of Ceuta and Melilla, Eyeing Gibraltar Model

"Just as the prosperity of the European shore requires an intertwining between Gibraltar and Algeciras on sound foundations, the prosperity of the African shore will be a chimera if a similar vision is not promoted between Ceuta and Melilla and the neighboring Moroccan regions," Arancha González said before the joint committee for the EU.

For her, this is a decisive prerequisite. It is "the first step towards a shared prosperity area" encompassing the entire Gibraltar Strait region, adding that "only harmonious development and prosperity between the two shores guarantee the future of each."

González Laya also indicated that Gibraltar will have to apply EU legislation on VAT, excise duties and apply the common European tariff in order to avoid distortions in the "internal market and the economy of the region."