In a significant development, the UK government has successfully negotiated a post-Brexit deal with the European Union concerning the status of Gibraltar. Since Britain’s exit from the EU in 2020, discussions surrounding the regulations for the border with Spain have been in progress, with the goal of establishing an efficient framework that secures the rights of those travelling between Gibraltar and Spain.
UK and EU Reach Crucial Post-Brexit Agreement on Gibraltar’s Status
UK and EU Reach Crucial Post-Brexit Agreement on Gibraltar’s Status
The newly established agreement aims to streamline border crossings while preserving British sovereignty over Gibraltar.
The agreement declared that there will be no need for checks on individuals and goods traversing the Gibraltar-Spain border. Upon arrival at Gibraltar airport, both Gibraltar and Spanish officials will conduct passport checks, akin to the dual controls at London’s Eurostar terminal, where passengers undergo British and French passport inspections prior to boarding.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy hailed the deal as essential for safeguarding British sovereignty while providing support for the economic landscape in Gibraltar, enabling businesses to create long-term plans once more. Gibraltar's Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, echoed this sentiment, expressing that the new agreement will “bring legal certainty to the people of Gibraltar, its businesses, and to those across the region who depend on stability at the frontier.”
All concerned parties have pledged to promptly finalize a treaty text between the UK and EU regarding Gibraltar, as confirmed by the UK government. Located to the south of Spain, Gibraltar—covering merely 2.6 square miles—has been under British control since 1713, although Spain contests this claim. The territory's status and the related border issues have been pivotal points of contention since Brexit.
Approximately 15,000 individuals cross the Gibraltar-Spain border daily for various reasons, from work to leisure activities. Presently, Gibraltar residents can move through the border using residence cards without passport stamping, while Spanish citizens can use government-issued ID cards. There have been rising concerns that the EU’s upcoming Entry/Exit system could complicate this situation, potentially leading to troubling delays.
Public sentiment within Gibraltar, with a population of 32,000, overwhelmingly favors maintaining British sovereignty, as demonstrated in a referendum conducted in 2002 where nearly 99% of voters opposed sharing authority with Spain.
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UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy hailed the deal as essential for safeguarding British sovereignty while providing support for the economic landscape in Gibraltar, enabling businesses to create long-term plans once more. Gibraltar's Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, echoed this sentiment, expressing that the new agreement will “bring legal certainty to the people of Gibraltar, its businesses, and to those across the region who depend on stability at the frontier.”
All concerned parties have pledged to promptly finalize a treaty text between the UK and EU regarding Gibraltar, as confirmed by the UK government. Located to the south of Spain, Gibraltar—covering merely 2.6 square miles—has been under British control since 1713, although Spain contests this claim. The territory's status and the related border issues have been pivotal points of contention since Brexit.
Approximately 15,000 individuals cross the Gibraltar-Spain border daily for various reasons, from work to leisure activities. Presently, Gibraltar residents can move through the border using residence cards without passport stamping, while Spanish citizens can use government-issued ID cards. There have been rising concerns that the EU’s upcoming Entry/Exit system could complicate this situation, potentially leading to troubling delays.
Public sentiment within Gibraltar, with a population of 32,000, overwhelmingly favors maintaining British sovereignty, as demonstrated in a referendum conducted in 2002 where nearly 99% of voters opposed sharing authority with Spain.
Stay informed with the latest in politics by signing up for our Politics Essential newsletter, delivering vital political insights to your inbox each weekday.
