Gibraltar opens border with Spain in landmark post-Brexit breakthrough

Gibraltar opens border with Spain in landmark post-Brexit breakthrough

Thousands of people are crossing freely between Gibraltar and Spain for the first time after the removal of the British territory's border fence, marking a historic milestone in post-Brexit relations.

The barrier officially disappeared at midnight on Tuesday following the signing of a long-awaited treaty between the United Kingdom, the European Union and Gibraltar's government, ending years of uncertainty over the territory's future after Britain left the EU.

A new chapter begins

Crowds celebrated as they crossed between Gibraltar and the Spanish town of La Línea de Concepción without the physical border that had divided the communities for decades.

Many of those crossing wore Spanish football shirts following Spain's World Cup semi-final victory, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo described the moment as a symbol of unity.

"What you feel here is the brotherhood between the two people," he said.

Ending years of Brexit uncertainty

When the UK formally left the European Union in 2020, Gibraltar's relationship with the bloc remained unresolved, raising fears that strict passport controls would disrupt the territory's economy.

Around 15,000 Spanish workers cross the frontier every day, making up almost half of Gibraltar's workforce. Without an agreement, long border queues and full immigration checks threatened businesses, commuters and families living on both sides of the frontier.

The new treaty effectively brings Gibraltar into the Schengen free-travel area, allowing far easier movement while introducing joint UK and Spanish border controls at Gibraltar's airport and seaport.

The system mirrors arrangements already used at Eurostar terminals, where officials from both countries carry out immigration checks before passengers travel.

Sovereignty dispute remains

Although the agreement transforms daily life for residents and commuters, it does not settle the centuries-old dispute over sovereignty.

Britain has controlled Gibraltar since it was ceded under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, while Spain has never abandoned its claim to the territory.

During the 2016 Brexit referendum, 96% of Gibraltar voters backed remaining in the European Union, highlighting the territory's close economic ties with neighbouring Spain.

New travel rules

Travellers arriving in Gibraltar from countries outside the Schengen area, including the UK, will still be subject to the European Union's new Entry-Exit System (EES). The system replaces passport stamps with biometric checks, including facial photographs and fingerprint scans.

While the political dispute over Gibraltar's sovereignty continues, the removal of the border fence is being hailed as one of the most significant changes to life on the Rock in decades, offering faster travel, stronger economic links and a new era of cooperation between Gibraltar and Spain.

SOURCE