UK and Spain Forge Historic Agreement on Gibraltar’s Future and Border Management

The UK and Spain have reached a “historic” agreement regarding the future of Gibraltar, effectively resolving long-standing disputes that emerged following Brexit. This new deal will facilitate the movement of people and goods across the border with Spain, enhancing cross-border relations.

The UK’s Foreign Office announced that the agreement addresses the last major unresolved issue stemming from Brexit. Spain’s foreign minister remarked that the deal dismantles “the last wall” on the continent, symbolizing a new era of cooperation.

Key features of the agreement include the implementation of Eurostar-style dual passport checks at Gibraltar’s airport and the elimination of checks on individuals and goods crossing the land border between Spain and Gibraltar. Importantly, the deal does not compromise Britain’s sovereignty over Gibraltar, with a clause affirming this point agreed upon by all parties involved. British military facilities in the territory will continue to operate autonomously.

Under the new regulations, Schengen rules will apply to British citizens entering Gibraltar who are not residents there. This means they could be denied entry if they have already spent more than 90 days in the Schengen area within a 180-day timeframe.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the agreement as “a practical solution after years of uncertainty,” reiterating that the UK’s commitment to Gibraltar remains “as solid as the Rock itself.” Both José Manuel Albares, Spain’s foreign affairs minister, and Fabian Picardo, Gibraltar’s chief minister, praised the deal as a “historic agreement” on social media platforms Bluesky and X.

The announcement of the deal was made in Brussels following discussions among officials from the UK and Gibraltar earlier in the day. Negotiations regarding the border have been ongoing since the UK’s exit from the European Union in 2020, which left Gibraltar outside of the EU customs union and without guaranteed freedom of movement.

Currently, around 15,000 people traverse the land border daily, many of whom are workers residing in Spain and employed in Gibraltar. The new agreement aims to prevent the establishment of a hard border in compliance with new EU regulations.

The deal outlines a system where British and Spanish border officers will conduct passport checks at Gibraltar’s port and airport, similar to the arrangements for Eurostar travelers at St Pancras station in London. Spanish border police stationed at Gibraltar could deny entry to UK citizens who violate Schengen regulations, which could spark controversy among right-wing opposition parties in the UK.

At a press conference in Brussels, Albares hailed the agreement as a new beginning for Spain-UK relations, emphasizing the removal of barriers to free movement of people and goods. He stated, “With this agreement, the barrier will disappear. That’s the last wall on continental Europe, and we will guarantee free movement of persons and goods.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated Picardo on the agreement, recognizing his leadership and commitment. Starmer expressed optimism that the deal would secure a stable future for Gibraltar’s residents and businesses.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also praised Starmer, noting that his government had achieved what previous administrations could not. Both leaders acknowledged the potential for this development to enhance bilateral relations between the UK and Spain.

However, UK shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel voiced concerns, affirming that “Gibraltar is British” and indicating a need for careful review of the agreement details.

As part of the negotiations, Gibraltar has agreed to make concessions on taxation, particularly regarding tobacco, amidst Spanish calls for the territory to align with EU regulations on VAT exemptions due to concerns about smuggling.

Maroš Šefčovič, the EU commissioner overseeing UK relations, described the agreement as a “truly historic milestone” for both the EU and the UK, emphasizing its role in reinforcing a new chapter in their relationship.

Negotiators will now focus on finalizing the legal text for ratification, setting the stage for a new era in Gibraltar’s governance. Gibraltar, a British overseas territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, has been under British control since 1713, though it operates with self-governance in all areas except defense and foreign policy. Despite Spain’s claims of sovereignty, Gibraltar’s constitution prohibits any transfer of sovereignty without the consent of its residents, who overwhelmingly rejected a shared sovereignty proposal in a 2002 referendum.