Brussel, (EFE).- The European Union, the United Kingdom, and Spain have reached a long-awaited agreement on Gibraltar’s post-Brexit status, resolving the final unresolved issue more than five years after the UK’s departure from the EU.
“This agreement on Gibraltar is now a reality. A historic agreement,” announced Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares on social media.
His statement was echoed by EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.
The agreement eliminates physical barriers and customs checks between Spain and Gibraltar while maintaining the integrity of the Schengen Area, the EU single market, and the customs union, the parties confirmed in a t statement.
“With this agreement, the fence will disappear, the last wall in continental Europe,” said Albares in a press conference alongside Šefčovič.
Border checks removed
Under the new deal, all border controls between Gibraltar and the Spanish town of La Línea de la Concepción will be removed.
Instead, dual border checks will be carried out at Gibraltar’s airport and port by Gibraltar and Schengen authorities in full cooperation.
Spain will oversee the Schengen checks, while Gibraltar will continue its regular internal checks. “This will bring trust, legal certainty, and prosperity to the entire region,” the t statement said, promoting close cooperation between Spanish and Gibraltarian authorities.
“This agreement clearly benefits the people on both sides of the border,” Šefčovič said. “It improves the legal framework for businesses and strengthens the regional economy.”
Customs and trade rules agreed
In of goods movement, customs checks will also be removed, and cooperation between the UK and EU customs authorities will be strengthened.
The agreement includes provisions on indirect taxation, including for tobacco, aimed at avoiding market distortions and ensuring shared economic benefits.
The deal safeguards the legal positions of both the UK and Spain regarding sovereignty, affirming that it does not affect the long-standing dispute over Gibraltar’s status.
The parties have also committed to fair competition in areas such as state aid, taxation, labor rights, environmental protections, trade and sustainable development, anti-money laundering, and transport.
Path to ratification
Šefčovič expressed full confidence that the deal will be approved: “I am absolutely convinced this agreement will be ratified because it is a good agreement.”
He emphasized the extensive negotiations behind the deal. “We studied every detail, worked closely with all partners, and found the best possible solution,” he said.
The Slovak commissioner noted that the removal of Gibraltar’s border fence will boost economic opportunities across the region, particularly in the Campo de Gibraltar, and said the EU will further investment and development efforts there.
The agreement is now expected to pave the way for a formal treaty, subject to ratification by the involved parties.
Nine years after the UK approved in a referendum the exit from the EU and four and a half years after the “New Year’s Eve Agreement”, which drew the fit of the British colony after Brexit, the pact reached on Wednesday puts an end to long and complex negotiations.
Among other things, it involves the disappearance of the fence of the Rock. EFE
int-seo
