In an important development for UK-EU relations, the UK has secured a deal related to the status of Gibraltar following its departure from the EU. The agreement, reached after prolonged negotiations since Brexit in 2020, aims to establish clear rules for the border between Spain and Gibraltar, notably eliminating the need for checks on goods and individuals.
**UK and EU Reach Agreement on Gibraltar's Post-Brexit Status**
**UK and EU Reach Agreement on Gibraltar's Post-Brexit Status**
The UK finalizes a significant post-Brexit border agreement with the EU regarding Gibraltar.
Passport checks will now involve both Spanish and Gibraltar authorities for flights arriving at Gibraltar airport, offering a streamlined process similar to the one utilized for Eurostar passengers in London. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized that this deal serves to uphold British sovereignty while supporting the economic stability of Gibraltar. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo echoed this sentiment, highlighting the assurance the agreement brings to residents and businesses in the territory.
The agreement is particularly critical as Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of Spain, has been a point of contention, with Spain historically disputing its sovereignty. The border issue has been one of the unresolved matters since Brexit, affecting the estimated 15,000 individuals who cross the border daily for work and leisure. Currently, Gibraltar residents and Spanish citizens cross the border using local identification, but there's been concern about future delays with new EU regulations on entry.
Public sentiment in Gibraltar strongly favors maintaining British sovereignty, with a 2002 referendum showing an overwhelming 99% of voters opposing shared sovereignty with Spain. With this new deal, both the UK and EU aim to finalize a treaty text regarding Gibraltar promptly, thus paving the way for future collaboration and stability in the region.
The agreement is particularly critical as Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of Spain, has been a point of contention, with Spain historically disputing its sovereignty. The border issue has been one of the unresolved matters since Brexit, affecting the estimated 15,000 individuals who cross the border daily for work and leisure. Currently, Gibraltar residents and Spanish citizens cross the border using local identification, but there's been concern about future delays with new EU regulations on entry.
Public sentiment in Gibraltar strongly favors maintaining British sovereignty, with a 2002 referendum showing an overwhelming 99% of voters opposing shared sovereignty with Spain. With this new deal, both the UK and EU aim to finalize a treaty text regarding Gibraltar promptly, thus paving the way for future collaboration and stability in the region.
