The UK has officially struck a deal with the European Union concerning the future of Gibraltar, aiming to streamline border operations post-Brexit. Since the UK's exit from the EU in 2020, discussions regarding the border rules between Spain and Gibraltar have been ongoing. The latest agreement is designed to eliminate the need for checks on the movement of individuals and goods at the border, which has been a point of contention in the negotiations.
For travelers heading to Gibraltar airport, there will be a collaborative passport control system involving both Gibraltar and Spanish officials. This approach mirrors the existing arrangements for passengers using the Eurostar service from the UK to France, where travelers clear both British and French passport checks prior to boarding.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed satisfaction with the deal, asserting, "It protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy, and allows businesses to plan for the long term." Similarly, Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, praised the agreement for providing "legal certainty" to Gibraltarians and the local businesses that depend on the stability of the frontier.
As part of the ongoing collaboration, all parties are committed to quickly finalizing the text of a treaty regarding Gibraltar. This small British Overseas Territory, located on a 2.6 square mile headland south of Spain, has been under British sovereignty since 1713—an ownership that Spain contests.
The border status has been a critical issue since Brexit, particularly as approximately 15,000 individuals cross the Gibraltar-Spain border daily for work and leisure. Currently, residents of Gibraltar can cross using residence cards without needing passport stamps, while Spanish citizens can employ government-issued ID cards. However, new regulations set to be introduced later this year have raised concerns about potential delays, further complicating the situation.
A significant portion of Gibraltar’s population—including approximately 32,000 individuals living there—feels strongly about maintaining British sovereignty. The last referendum in 2002 saw nearly unanimous support, with 99% of voters rejecting a proposition to share sovereignty with Spain.
For travelers heading to Gibraltar airport, there will be a collaborative passport control system involving both Gibraltar and Spanish officials. This approach mirrors the existing arrangements for passengers using the Eurostar service from the UK to France, where travelers clear both British and French passport checks prior to boarding.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed satisfaction with the deal, asserting, "It protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy, and allows businesses to plan for the long term." Similarly, Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, praised the agreement for providing "legal certainty" to Gibraltarians and the local businesses that depend on the stability of the frontier.
As part of the ongoing collaboration, all parties are committed to quickly finalizing the text of a treaty regarding Gibraltar. This small British Overseas Territory, located on a 2.6 square mile headland south of Spain, has been under British sovereignty since 1713—an ownership that Spain contests.
The border status has been a critical issue since Brexit, particularly as approximately 15,000 individuals cross the Gibraltar-Spain border daily for work and leisure. Currently, residents of Gibraltar can cross using residence cards without needing passport stamps, while Spanish citizens can employ government-issued ID cards. However, new regulations set to be introduced later this year have raised concerns about potential delays, further complicating the situation.
A significant portion of Gibraltar’s population—including approximately 32,000 individuals living there—feels strongly about maintaining British sovereignty. The last referendum in 2002 saw nearly unanimous support, with 99% of voters rejecting a proposition to share sovereignty with Spain.
