Credited from: LEMONDE
On June 11, 2025, the European Union and the United Kingdom finalized a significant deal concerning the status of Gibraltar after years of negotiations following Brexit. The agreement aims to resolve key issues relating to the border with Spain and promote fluidity in cross-border trade and travel, marking a pivotal moment for the region's future, according to Reuters, Los Angeles Times, and BBC.
The deal entails the removal of physical barriers at the Gibraltar-Spain border, subsequently establishing a dual check system for travelers using the airport and seaport. This arrangement is akin to the procedures in place for Eurostar services between the UK and the EU. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized that the agreement does not undermine British sovereignty and further supports Gibraltar's economic future, as noted by Le Monde and TRT Global.
According to EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, the agreement will bring confidence and legal certainty to the lives of individuals and businesses within the region, marking a new chapter in UK-EU relations. It also aims to prevent previous concerns regarding delays and complications in border crossings for the daily flow of approximately 15,000 people between Gibraltar and Spain, as reported by Los Angeles Times and Le Monde.
The joint statement from the parties involved also reveals future plans for customs regulations, visa arrangements, and enhanced cooperation between law enforcement agencies, suggesting a comprehensive approach to governance across the border. The collaborative effort aims to safeguard the socio-economic interests of both Gibraltar and the bordering regions in Spain, highlighted by BBC and TRT Global.