UK-EU agree on post-Brexit deal to ease Spain-Gibraltar border motion | What it means
UK Overseas Secretary David Lammy known as the settlement a “breakthrough”, saying it protects British sovereignty and helps Gibraltar’s financial system
The UK and the European Union have reached a deal on Gibraltar’s post-Brexit standing, resolving years of negotiations over border preparations between Spain and the British Abroad Territory. Because the UK departed from the EU in 2020, either side have been working to find out how the border ought to operate. The brand new settlement will take away the necessity for routine checks on folks and items crossing between Gibraltar and Spain.
What the deal means for Gibraltar?
Underneath the deal, travellers arriving at Gibraltar airport will endure passport checks carried out collectively by Gibraltar and Spanish authorities. Spanish border officers may have the facility to refuse entry, as travellers from Gibraltar will be capable of proceed their journey into Spain and the broader EU free-travel space with out additional checks. This association mirrors the setup at London’s St Pancras station, the place passengers cross via each UK and French passport controls earlier than boarding Eurostar trains to continental Europe.
UK Overseas Secretary David Lammy known as the settlement a “breakthrough”, saying it protects British sovereignty and helps Gibraltar’s financial system. He famous the earlier authorities had left the scenario unresolved, placing Gibraltar’s lifestyle in danger.
Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo additionally welcomed the deal, saying he had labored carefully with the UK authorities to safe an consequence that displays Gibraltar’s wants. He careworn that the settlement safeguards the territory’s future and doesn’t compromise its British sovereignty.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke by telephone on Wednesday, agreeing that the deal creates new alternatives to deepen UK-Spain relations. Downing Road added that Sir Keir additionally known as Picardo to thank him for his dedication and management all through the negotiations.
Gibraltar’s historical past with UK
The UK’s resolution to go away the EU in 2016 reignited issues about Gibraltar’s future, significantly relating to the border with Spain. Spain argued it ought to have a say in Gibraltar’s EU-related preparations. Negotiations continued for years, culminating within the 2025 deal between the UK and the EU that goals to make sure fluid border motion whereas preserving Gibraltar’s British standing.
At the moment, Gibraltar is a self-governing British Abroad Territory. Whereas Spain maintains its declare, the folks of Gibraltar have constantly affirmed their want to stay British. Nonetheless, cooperation and sensible agreements, just like the latest one over border controls, have marked a shift in the direction of pragmatic coexistence.
