Brussels Agreement (1984)

The Brussels Agreement, signed on 23 October 1984 in Brussels, Belgium, was an agreement between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Spain regarding the territory of Gibraltar. The agreement aimed to resolve the dispute between the two countries over Gibraltar's sovereignty through comprehensive negotiations.

The core elements of the Brussels Agreement were a commitment by both governments to discuss all differences between them over Gibraltar, to deal with problems on a reciprocal basis, and to aim at overcoming all the differences. Crucially, the negotiations would include the issues of sovereignty, while fully respecting the wishes of the Gibraltarians.

The agreement was intended to fully restore normal relations between Spain and the United Kingdom, including reopening the land border between Gibraltar and Spain, which had been partially closed since 1969 and fully closed since 1970. The border was fully reopened in 1985, following the implementation of the agreement.

The Brussels Agreement has been subject to varying interpretations and criticisms since its inception. Some argue it provides a framework for resolving the sovereignty dispute, while others maintain that it infringes upon the right to self-determination of the Gibraltarian people. The agreement remains a significant document in the ongoing discussions regarding the future of Gibraltar.