The UK and the European Union have successfully negotiated a deal regarding Gibraltar's status post-Brexit, addressing future border operations with Spain and reinforcing the territory's British sovereignty.
UK and EU Reach Agreement on Gibraltar's Post-Brexit Status
UK and EU Reach Agreement on Gibraltar's Post-Brexit Status
New deal aims to streamline border processes and ensure sovereignty for Gibraltar.
The UK has finalized a significant agreement with the European Union concerning the status of Gibraltar after Brexit, putting an end to prolonged discussions that emerged after Britain's exit from the EU in 2020. This new arrangement is expected to eliminate the necessity for checks on individuals and goods crossing the Gibraltar-Spain border.
For travelers arriving at Gibraltar International Airport, passport controls will now be conducted jointly by officials from Gibraltar and Spain, mirroring the passport control procedure used for Eurostar passengers at St Pancras station, which involves both British and French authorities.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy praised the deal, asserting that it "protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again." Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, also expressed his approval, stating that the agreement will provide "legal certainty" for the local population and businesses that depend on a stable border.
All involved parties are committed to swiftly drafting a treaty text with the EU that clearly delineates the arrangements for Gibraltar. This British Overseas Territory, which consists of 2.6 square miles situated at the southern tip of Spain, has been under British control since 1713, although Spain has long contested this sovereignty claim.
The resolution of Gibraltar's status has been critical, especially as the border is crossed by approximately 15,000 people daily for work and pleasure. Currently, residents of Gibraltar can travel using residence cards without needing passport stamps, while Spanish citizens benefit from government-issued ID cards for border crossing. However, the implementation of the EU's Entry/Exit system in the coming months raised concerns about possible extensive delays at the border.
Public sentiment in Gibraltar remains steadfast in favor of British sovereignty; a referendum in 2002 revealed that nearly 99% of voters opposed sharing sovereignty with Spain. As the process progresses, the focus remains on ensuring clarity and stability for the residents of Gibraltar and the surrounding region.
For travelers arriving at Gibraltar International Airport, passport controls will now be conducted jointly by officials from Gibraltar and Spain, mirroring the passport control procedure used for Eurostar passengers at St Pancras station, which involves both British and French authorities.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy praised the deal, asserting that it "protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again." Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, also expressed his approval, stating that the agreement will provide "legal certainty" for the local population and businesses that depend on a stable border.
All involved parties are committed to swiftly drafting a treaty text with the EU that clearly delineates the arrangements for Gibraltar. This British Overseas Territory, which consists of 2.6 square miles situated at the southern tip of Spain, has been under British control since 1713, although Spain has long contested this sovereignty claim.
The resolution of Gibraltar's status has been critical, especially as the border is crossed by approximately 15,000 people daily for work and pleasure. Currently, residents of Gibraltar can travel using residence cards without needing passport stamps, while Spanish citizens benefit from government-issued ID cards for border crossing. However, the implementation of the EU's Entry/Exit system in the coming months raised concerns about possible extensive delays at the border.
Public sentiment in Gibraltar remains steadfast in favor of British sovereignty; a referendum in 2002 revealed that nearly 99% of voters opposed sharing sovereignty with Spain. As the process progresses, the focus remains on ensuring clarity and stability for the residents of Gibraltar and the surrounding region.
