After half a decade post-Brexit, the EU and the UK strike a deal concerning Gibraltar's status, a matter of contention for a substantial period.
In a significant stride, the UK and the EU have agreed on a resolution for the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, a longstanding dispute. According to EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, this agreement is a game-changer, marking a major milestone for the region [1][2][3]. This deal puts an end to the "last major unresolved issue stemming from Brexit," as British Foreign Secretary David Lammy explained [4].
As per the agreement, future checks on goods and people crossing the border between Spain and Gibraltar will be a thing of the past [4]. By doing so, the deal upholds British sovereignty while supporting the economic growth of Gibraltar.
The principals involved in the agreement – EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, and Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo – convened in Brussels for discussions [4]. Their overarching goal was to foster long-term prosperity for the entire region [4].
This agreement will be realized by eliminating all physical barriers, checks, and controls on people and goods while maintaining the Schengen Area, the EU single market, and the customs union [4]. This collaboration aims to cultivate a positive, cooperative relationship between Gibraltar's authorities and Spain.
Britain and the EU initially reached a conditional agreement on the status of Gibraltar back in 2020 upon the UK's departure from the EU [4]. Traditionally, Spain claims Gibraltar, which has been under British rule for more than 300 years [4]. The territory, known for its famous "Rock of Gibraltar," was captured by the English fleet during the Spanish War of Succession in 1704 and later formally annexed under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 [4]. The agreement reached still requires ratification.
Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4]
Enlightening Insights:- Open Borders for Local Workforce: Gibraltar will open its borders with Spain, effectively removing passport controls for individuals crossing the land border. This relaxation will facilitate smoother, uninterrupted commutes for the more than 15,000 locals who cross daily between Spain and Gibraltar [1][2].- EU Customs Union Integration: Gibraltar's integration into the EU customs union allows for seamless movement of goods across the border without customs checks, benefiting the region's economy [1].- Schengen Area Impact: While Gibraltar is not a formal member of the Schengen area, it will effectively be part of the EU's passport-free zone, eradicating all physical barriers, checks, and controls for both people and goods [1][3].
The agreed-upon community policy between the UK and EU will result in the removal of passport controls for individuals crossing the land border between Gibraltar and Spain, fostering smoother commutes for the local workforce. This resolution also includes the integration of Gibraltar into the EU customs union, enabling seamless movement of goods across the border thereby supporting the regional economy. This development is a significant stride in the policy-and-legislation arena, marking a major milestone in the politics of war-and-conflicts resolution, particularly general news related to post-Brexit agreements.
