In a notable development, the United Kingdom has successfully negotiated a deal with the European Union regarding the status of Gibraltar in the post-Brexit landscape. The agreement focuses on the regulations governing the border between Spain and Gibraltar, which has been a contentious issue since the UK exited the EU in 2020.
According to UK officials, this new arrangement will eliminate the need for checks on both people and goods moving across the Gibraltar-Spain border. The protocol includes coordinated passport checks at Gibraltar's airport by both Gibraltar and Spanish authorities—similar to the dual passport control system utilized for Eurostar passengers departing from London’s St Pancras station.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy hailed the agreement as a means of "protecting British sovereignty," stating it supports Gibraltar’s economy while enabling businesses to plan with greater certainty for the future. In tandem, Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo expressed his satisfaction with the deal, affirming that it would provide “legal certainty” for Gibraltar’s residents and businesses that rely on a stable border.
All parties involved have pledged to expedite the finalization of a UK-EU treaty text concerning Gibraltar, as emphasized in the UK government’s announcement.
Strategically located at only 2.6 square miles, Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory positioned at the southern tip of Spain. The UK has maintained sovereignty over Gibraltar since 1713, a claim that is disputed by Spain. The status of Gibraltar and its border with Spain has been a crucial issue and an outstanding matter since the Brexit process began.
Daily, around 15,000 individuals traverse the Gibraltar-Spain border either for work or leisure. Presently, residents of Gibraltar can cross using residence cards without the need for passport stamping, while Spanish citizens can enter Gibraltar with their national ID cards. However, concerns had arisen regarding potential delays due to the EU's forthcoming Entry/Exit system, which could change current border regulations.
Public sentiment in Gibraltar is predominantly in favor of maintaining British sovereignty, with a referendum in 2002 revealing that nearly 99% of voters opposed the idea of sharing sovereignty with Spain.
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