In the Falklands, they say they are disappointed and frustrated by Brexit

“Disappointed” and “frustrated”. This is how the Kelpers say they feel the economic and political blow Brexit ended up giving them.

On Christmas Eve 2020, the UK and the European Union reached a historic but hard-fought trade deal. It was the last chapter of Brexit. This has been in effect since January 1. And in short, At the end of the negotiations, the so-called overseas territories were excluded. that Britain owns: including the Falklands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich. These are the islands of the South Atlantic over which Argentina claims sovereignty.

By the way, the Foreign Ministry had asked Brussels and EU countries to do this individually. The secretary of the Falklands and South Atlantic Islands region, Daniel Filmus, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Felipe Solá have done so personally.

Even so, the decision of the Europeans and the British transcends Argentina’s claim, in principle because it is a standard decision for all colonies.

Bugle investigated Hard blow that this British separation from the EU represents for the islanders, in principle because they lost access to the European market with zero tariffs they had enjoyed for decades.

The first thing the islanders did was to ratify a text released by the Legislature last week in which they expressed their displeasure.

“In the first place – underlines the text of the legislators – it is important to note how disappointed and frustrated we are that the agreement between the United Kingdom and the EU does not contain provisions for the Malvinas Islands or others overseas territories (OT); therefore, our exports to the EU are now subject to customs duties. “

Effectively, If they do not make a better deal from London, the islands will have to pay European market tariffs of between 6% and 18% for the fish they export there.. This sector constitutes up to 60% of the revenue of the island’s treasury thanks to the sale of licenses to foreign vessels operating in the area administered by the United Kingdom.

Exports of mutton The Falklands would pay in Europe up to 42% of tariffs.

This is happening as the coronavirus pandemic continues to hit economies around the world. And this paralyzed tourism, on which the islands also live. Especially from the cruise season, which combined their trips to Antarctica. In some islands They were excited about oil exploitation and it still didn’t happen, there are significant communication difficulties and during the pandemic they are more dependent on the UK.

Consulted by this newspaper on the new scenario, Councilor Teslyn Bakman pointed out that the UK-EU deal still worked with a mandate that excluded TOs (as they say to overseas territories, which are the overseas territories).

“This was based on the fact that the EU did not have a mandate to include its own overseas countries and territories and this is the reason why the Falklands are not included and the broader issues overseas territories have not been included. Our interests were exposed by the UK and we are now going to work closely with the UK and with our own fisheries and agriculture sectors to remove the tariffs now imposed. “Barkman said.

Islanders have been on high alert for years, negotiating and making numbers so that what didn’t happen in the end doesn’t happen.

“As an OT, we have never been able to negotiate directly on our behalf,” said the so-called MLA (members of the Legislative Assembly), referring to the managed foreign and defense policy through London.

“Our first challenge was to get UK government officials to understand the impact that a no-deal Brexit would have on the Falkland Islands. We did this by engaging with local stakeholders and publishing three reports that we shared with the UK government. United ”, said the assembly members and then listed their action plan.

“We have a strong business relationship with the EU and even with the tariffs it doesn’t change. We are selling a high-end product that is in high demand in Europe,” says Barkman, when asked about the future.

Another point on which the members of the assembly did not comment, but which is a recurring theme in the island press they fear that Argentina will profit from this weak situation in which they have remained, which constitutes a threat for them.

Islanders they do not want contacts with the continent other than as “neighbors” and the hardening of the rhetoric of the Alberto Fernández government regarding the conflict shakes them.

For example, at the start of the pandemic They rejected an offer from Filmus to help with hospital supplies and care.

Islanders who are among the 3,000 residents had no more than 15 positive cases of COVID. Most of the British soldiers on the base, that is to say outside the city.

This week they announced that they have received 3,000 doses of vaccine from Oxford AstraZeneca and will receive 2,000 later.

They seem to be covered. But on its horizon a strong uncertainty is essential and a strong dependence on London while the pandemic continues, hinders its air communications.

The new scenario according to the government

Diplomatic sources consulted on the future of relations and the pre-Brexit situation on the islands noted the following:

<< L'Argentine continuera d'insister auprès de toutes les organisations multilatérales concernant la nécessité d'appliquer 2065 et le Royaume-Uni de reprendre les négociations pour la souveraineté. Appliquer également 31/49 et défendre la souveraineté sur les ressources naturelles et condamner la base militaire Elle engagera de nouvelles poursuites contre l'exploitation illégale des hydrocarbures et la pêche. D'autre part, elle travaillera à recréer de meilleures conditions d'intégration entre les îles et le continent, dont beaucoup existaient avant 1982. La situation post-Brexit crée de meilleures conditions pour la communauté. soutiennent l'allégation de l'Argentine. Parallèlement, la situation interne du Royaume-Uni par rapport à l'Écosse, l'Irlande et les négociations pour Gibraltar ouvrent également un nouveau scénario >>