In a momentous development, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Gibraltar have forged a groundbreaking agreement on Gibraltar's relationship with the European Union (EU) following Brexit. This historic pact was sealed in a meeting attended by José Manuel Albares (Spanish Foreign Minister), David Lammy (UK Foreign Minister), Fabian Picardo (Gibraltar's Chief Minister), and Maros Sefcovic (Vice-President of the European Commission).
Tripartite deal reached on Gibraltar's status between Spain, EU, and UK, marking a significant milestone five years post Brexit.
Under the agreement, Spain will conduct passport checks at Gibraltar's port and airport, effectively marking the end of the controversial fence, as Albares referred to it as "the last wall of continental Europe". This move is expected to usher in a new era of stability and cooperation.
Albares went on to emphasize that this agreement signifies a "before and after for stability, cooperation, and well-being". He confirmed that with this arrangement, Gibraltar will become part of the Schengen area, with Spain taking the reins in controlling entries and exits.
The primary goal of the future agreement, as outlined in the official document, is to guarantee the region's future prosperity. This is achieved by eliminating all physical barriers, checks, and restrictions on people and goods moving between Spain and Gibraltar, all while preserving the Schengen area, the EU's Single Market, and the Customs Union.
In terms of people, the parties have agreed on dual border controls, to be carried out in Gibraltar and the Schengen area at the port and airport. This cohesive border control operation will be overseen "in full cooperation between the EU, UK, and Gibraltar authorities", as stated in the agreement.
Moreover, the parties have committed to providing equal conditions in state aid, taxation, labor, environment, trade, and sustainable development, and the fight against money laundering. They have also promised to protect the rights of frontier workers and coordinate social security.
Many of these principles reflect the demands made by the inhabitants of the Cádiz region of the Campo de Gibraltar, whose GDP depends on Gibraltar by 15%. Albares emphasized that this fiscal convergence will ensure fair competition.
On December 31, 2020, Spain and the UK had already reached a principle of agreement on Gibraltar that ensured border mobility and the free circulation of citizens.
UK Affirms Sovereignty Respect
Following the announcement, Pedro Sánchez (President of the Government) and Keir Starmer (British Prime Minister) shared a conversation. Both leaders agreed that this pact opens the door to advancement in bilateral relations between the two nations.
The British Foreign Ministry later praised the joint agreement reached with the European Union and Spain, assuring that it would protect British sovereignty, the UK's military autonomy, and Gibraltar's economic future.
David Lammy, the UK's Foreign Minister, expressed his satisfaction, stating that the agreement "provides a practical solution after years of uncertainty. Together with the Government of Gibraltar, we have reached an agreement that protects British sovereignty, supports the economy of Gibraltar, and allows businesses to plan again in the long term."
Spain-UK Relations Take a Positive Turn
According to Albares, this agreement marks a new beginning in the relationship between Spain and the United Kingdom, not just in regards to Gibraltar, but also in relation to environmental issues, landfills, and discharges.
La Linea: Most Impacted Municipality
In a press conference, José Juan Franco Rodríguez (Mayor of La Linea de la Concepcion) acknowledged that his municipality is significantly affected by the agreement. Although he expressed happiness about the historic nature of the agreement, he highlighted concerns over potential population exodus and a potential surge in housing prices in the Campo de Gibraltar area.
Andalusia's Response
Juanma Moreno, the President of Junta de Andalucia, stated that "an agreement is always positive", although he emphasized the importance of waiting for its development and upholding sovereignty. He also stressed that the residents of the Campo de Gibraltar deserve the same progress and well-being as those on the Peninsula, only possible under conditions of fiscal equality, legal requirements, and environmental protection.
Relief and Surprise Among Gibraltar Workers
The new agreement has been met with great relief and surprise among the 15,000 cross-border workers who travel from Spain to Gibraltar daily for work. Luz, a cross-border worker who has family on the Peninsula, expressed her joy stating, "As a cross-border worker who has to cross the border every day, I think it's wonderful. I'm very happy. I always say that people in Madrid should come down here and sit one day at seven in the morning, to see the number of people who cross the border."
Ursula von der Leyen Celebrates Consensus
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, has also applauded the resolution of the Gibraltar issue post-Brexit. She stated on social media, "I welcome the conclusion of talks on the future EU-UK agreement on Gibraltar. It safeguards the integrity of Schengen and the Single Market, while ensuring the stability, legal security, and prosperity of the region."
The agreement signifies an average of stability, cooperation, and well-being between Spain, the United Kingdom, and Gibraltar, as stated by Foreign Minister Albares. This policy-and-legislation includes Gibraltar becoming part of the Schengen area, dual border controls, and equal conditions in state aid, taxation, labor, environment, trade, sustainable development, and the fight against money laundering. In the general-news, the agreement has been met with relief and surprise among Gibraltar's cross-border workers, as it guarantees the region's future prosperity while preserving the Schengen area, the EU's Single Market, and the Customs Union.
