UK and EU Reach Landmark Agreement on Gibraltar Post-Brexit

A significant post-Brexit agreement between the UK and EU outlines new arrangements for Gibraltar, easing border complications and upholding British sovereignty.

The UK has successfully brokered a new agreement with the European Union concerning the status of Gibraltar following Brexit, providing clarity on border regulations and easing travel protocols. Since the UK exited the EU in 2020, negotiations have been underway to establish rules governing the border between Spain and Gibraltar.

The recent agreement, announced by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, seeks to bypass the requirement for checks on individuals and goods traversing the Gibraltar-Spain crossing. Passport checks will now be processed jointly by Gibraltar and Spanish officials, a method akin to that utilized for Eurostar passengers traveling from London's St Pancras, where they undergo both UK and French passport control before boarding international trains.

Lammy described the deal as a protection of British sovereignty, a boost for Gibraltar's economy, and a means for businesses to engage in long-term planning. Gibraltar's Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, echoed this sentiment, stating the agreement brings legal certainty and stability for the region, which is vital for its residents and businesses.

The UK government emphasized a commitment from all involved parties to promptly finalize a UK-EU treaty text concerning Gibraltar. This British Overseas Territory covers just 2.6 square miles and is located to the south of Spain, having been under British sovereignty since 1713, although Spain remains in dispute over the territory's status.

The border arrangements have been a contentious issue since the Brexit referendum, with approximately 15,000 individuals crossing the Gibraltar-Spain boundary daily for work or leisure. Presently, residents of Gibraltar can cross using residence cards without passport stamps, while Spanish citizens utilize government-issued ID cards. However, fears arose with the imminent implementation of the EU’s Entry/Exit system, which could lead to significant delays and complications at the crossing.

Public sentiment within Gibraltar, home to around 32,000 residents, firmly supports maintaining British sovereignty. A referendum in 2002 saw nearly 99% of voters oppose any proposals to share sovereignty with Spain, underscoring the community's resolve in favor of their British ties.