MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Gibraltar contracts top politician to lobby for the Rock's interests in Brussels

“The Government is delighted that Sir Graham Watson has agreed to work for Gibraltar and its people,” said Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.

Sir Graham Watson has been hired by the Gibraltar Government to represent the Rock in Brussels on a three-year contract. His recruitment is part of Gibraltar's move to strengthen its presence in Brussels to ensure that Gibraltar’s voice is heard on issues that may impact on the Rock’s community and economy.

 “The Government is delighted that Sir Graham Watson has agreed to work for Gibraltar and its people,” said Chief Minister Fabian Picardo. “He is already familiar with the issues that Gibraltar faces in Europe having served as one of Gibraltar’s MEPs for ten years.”

“This has considerable value since it means that he can hit the ground running and continue from where he left off.”

“I have no doubt that the presence and profile of Gibraltar before the EU institutions will now be raised considerably as a result given that Sir Graham is both highly respected in Europe and also very well known.”

Sir Graham will lead and direct the government’s lobbying activities in the EU capital, which includes advising and guiding the government in connection with the implementation of strategies for the promotion of Gibraltar’s interests within the European Union.

This will involve both influencing policies at an EU level on matters relevant to Gibraltar as well as protecting the interests and rights of the Gibraltarians as EU citizens.

There will be an emphasis on relations with the European Parliament and its MEPs who were elected this year, and also with the new European Commission that will take office next month.

Sir Graham will also be responsible for liaising and enhancing communication with the UK's Permanent Representation to the EU. He will also develop working relationships with pressure groups and other bodies which represent EU citizens.

In an additional role to the purely political, Sir Graham will be charged with facilitating the promotion of business in Gibraltar from Brussels.

Sir Graham will currently work from the existing office in Brussels and will move to the new location once the purchase of new premises has been finalized. “I am pleased and honored to have the opportunity to continue in a new role the work I started as an elected representative of the people of Gibraltar,” Sir Graham said.