On Wednesday, 11 June, the EU and the UK reached an agreement resolving the long-standing post-Brexit border issues in Gibraltar. Central to the deal is the removal of passport controls at the border, reconnecting Gibraltar with Spain.
Gibraltar will be incorporated into the EU’s Schengen Area, allowing passport-free movement for residents and approved individuals. The agreement will also implement both Spanish and British officers conducting parallel checks at the border.
Additionally, the agreement enables Gibraltar to enter the EU customs union, in turn abolishing physical inspections for goods moving across the land border. Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasised that although the border arrangements will change, the agreement does not affect sovereignty.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomes the agreement stating:
“I welcome the conclusion of the talks on the future EU-UK agreement on Gibraltar. It safeguards the integrity of Schengen and the Single Market, while ensuring stability, legal certainty and prosperity for the region.”
Meanwhile, Maroš Šefčovič, the EU’s Commissioner for Trade, shared:
“A truly historic milestone: an EU-UK political agreement on the future relationship concerning Gibraltar. This benefits everyone and reinforces a new chapter in the EU-UK relationship.”
The joint statement by Šefčovič, Spanish minister for Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares, and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, together with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo, can be found here.
Next steps include formalising the agreement through a full treaty requiring ratification by Spain, the UK, and the EU institutions.
The recent EU-UK agreement on Gibraltar marks a significant step in resolving one of Brexit’s most complex issues. By integrating Gibraltar into the Schengen Area and EU customs union, the deal promotes smoother cross-border mobility and trade. Additionally, joint border checks and the elimination of passport and goods inspections should foster regional stability and economic continuity. If formal ratification is successful, this agreement may serve as a model for future cross-border arrangements post-Brexit.
