Because this is the official website of the UK government

Five years after the completion of Brexit, the United Kingdom and the European Union have reached an important agreement concerning the free movement of people and goods through Gibraltar, a British overseas territory. This information was published on the official website of the UK government.

On June 11, representatives of the UK government and the European Commission signed a political agreement regulating movement through Gibraltar to Spain. The main points of the agreement include the removal of physical barriers at the land border between Gibraltar and Spain, as well as the elimination of checks on goods and individuals at Gibraltar airport’s border.

Although checks on goods and individuals will remain, both the UK and Spain, representing the interests of the EU, will be responsible for conducting them.

“The parties also agreed on the principles of indirect taxation to be applied in Gibraltar, particularly on tobacco, which will help avoid distortions and promote the prosperity of the entire region.” – UK Government

Following the signing of this political agreement, the EU and the UK plan to conclude a formal treaty regulating the border between the United Kingdom and the European Union in Gibraltar.

Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located on the narrow mountainous southern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. The city borders Spain to the north and has a population of about 34,000 people. Approximately half of the residents work in neighboring Spain, making border deregulation critically important for the region’s economy.

Brexit is a political process that began after a consultative referendum on June 23, 2016, when 51.9% of voters supported the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union.

The EU and the UK reached a breakthrough agreement on Gibraltar, promising to resolve years of post-Brexit uncertainty surrounding the British Overseas Territory, which shares its only land border with Spain.

The “conclusive political agreement” covers the core elements of a future legally binding treaty, according to a joint statement on Wednesday.

The deal was announced after high-level talks in Brussels between EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.

Related Gibraltar after Brexit: stuck between a rock and a hard place

Gibraltar, a strategic outpost at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, has been a longstanding point of friction between London and Madrid.

Though it remained under British control after the UK’s departure from the EU in 2020, Gibraltar was excluded from the Brexit trade deal. This left the territory’s roughly 38,000 residents – 96 percent of whom voted against Brexit – and thousands of cross-border workers living in Spain in a legal limbo.

Under the agreed framework, dual border checks will be established at Gibraltar’s airport and seaport, jointly managed by EU and British authorities. As a result, controls at the land border with the Spanish town of La Linea will be removed on both sides.

The parties also agreed on visa and permit systems, as well as enhanced cooperation between law enforcement agencies.

In terms of trade, the deal outlines principles for a future customs union and indirect taxation to be applied in Gibraltar, including on tobacco – long a source of tension due to pricing differences.

Further provisions include commitments on labour rights, environmental protections, state aid, taxation, anti-money laundering and transport, along with protections for frontier workers and cross-border social security coordination.

Officials said the path is now clear to finalise the legal text and begin the ratification process.​​​​​​​ In the statement, the parties expressed confidence that the deal would bring legal certainty, stability, and prosperity to communities on both sides of the border.

A historic political agreement was reached on Wednesday for a treaty on Gibraltar’s post-Brexit relations with the EU.

The agreement comes after nearly four years of prolonged and intense negotiation and seeks to guarantee fluidity across the border for both people and goods, laying a foundation for cross-border prosperity.

Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said it represented “a moment of progress, clarity and optimism” for Gibraltar and its people.

The political agreement between the UK and the EU, which has yet to be turned into a final treaty text, was finalised in Brussels during a high-level meeting between UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, European trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic, Spain’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel Albares and Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.

A clause agreed by all sides makes “explicitly clear” that the final treaty is without prejudice to the respective legal positions of the UK and Spain in respect of sovereignty and jurisdiction.

“The main objective of the future agreement is to secure the future prosperity of the whole region,” the four negotiating parties said in a joint statement.

“This will be done by removing all physical barriers, checks and controls on persons and goods circulating between Spain and Gibraltar, while preserving the Schengen area, the EU Single Market and Customs Union.”

“This will bring confidence and legal certainty to the lives and well-being of the people of the whole region by promoting shared prosperity and close and constructive relations between the Gibraltar and Spanish authorities.”

‘DUAL BORDER CHECKS’

The agreement foresees a fluid border between Gibraltar and Spain that will not require checks on people crossing.

The parties have agreed to establish “dual Gibraltar and Schengen border checks” at Gibraltar’s port and airport, to be carried out in full cooperation between the EU and UK/Gibraltar authorities, removing all checks at the border between Gibraltar and La Linea for the many thousands of people who travel across daily in both directions.

“For the EU, full Schengen checks will be carried out by Spain,” the joint statement said.

“For the UK, full Gibraltar checks will continue to be carried out as they are today.”

The parties have also agreed arrangements for visas and permits and close cooperation between the police and law enforcement authorities.

On goods, the parties agreed on the principles underpinning a future bespoke customs union between the EU and Gibraltar, “providing for strong cooperation between the respective customs authorities and removing checks on goods”.

There was also agreement on the principles of indirect taxation to be applied in Gibraltar, including on tobacco, that “will avoid distortions and contribute to the prosperity of the whole region”, the joint statement said.

“Other important areas of the future EU/UK agreement include level playing field commitments on state aid, taxation, labour, environment, trade and sustainable development, anti-money laundering, and transport – including the airport; the rights of frontier workers and social security coordination.”

“Specific cooperation will also be included in environmental matters.”

“The creation of an appropriate financial mechanism to promote cohesion and support training and employment in the region has also been agreed.”

In a separate statement, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said immigration and law and order in Gibraltar “will remain the exclusive responsibility of Gibraltar’s authorities”.

“Spanish officials will be responsible for ensuring the integrity of the Schengen Area, in a model similar to French police operating in London’s St Pancras station,” the FCDO statement said.

The agreement also guarantees “full operational autonomy of the UK’s military facilities in Gibraltar”, which play a vital role in protecting regional security and important trade routes, the FCDO statement added.

The agreement also opens up the opportunity for flights to operate from Gibraltar airport to EU destinations, “increasing Gibraltar’s connectivity to the continent and improving its prosperity”.

TREATY TEXT

The announcement came with little detail on the actual content of the treaty text itself, which is well advanced but has yet to be finalised before being translated into the EU’s 24 languages and undergoing legal checks.

Only once that is completed will the treaty be signed and published, a normal process that will likely take several more months, not least because the Commission shuts down for August.

Once that is completed, the treaty will have to be ratified by the UK, EU and Gibraltar parliaments.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the agreement was a “breakthrough” after years of uncertainty and that the UK’s commitment to Gibraltar “remains as solid as the Rock itself”.

Mr Lammy held talks with Gibraltar’s leaders, members of the opposition and the business community before leaving Gibraltar to head to Brussels on Wednesday morning.

“This government inherited a situation from the last government which put Gibraltar’s economy and way of life under threat. Today’s breakthrough delivers a practical solution after years of uncertainty,” he said.

“Alongside the Government of Gibraltar, we have a reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar’s economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again.

“I thank the Chief Minister and his Government for their tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK’s commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as the Rock itself.”

Chief minister Fabian Picardo called the deal a “historic agreement”.

“I’m delighted we have finalised a conclusive political agreement which will bring legal certainty to the people of Gibraltar, its businesses and to those across the region who rely on stability at the frontier,” he said.

“I have worked hand in glove with the UK Government throughout this negotiation to deliver the deal Gibraltar wants and needs – one that will protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and does not in any way affect our British sovereignty.”

“Now is the time to look beyond the arguments of the past and towards a time of renewed cooperation and understanding. Now the deal is done, it’s time to finalise the treaty.”

“As the only UK overseas territory which shares a border with the EU, today’s political agreement provides a practical solution for the unique situation faced by the people of Gibraltar whose livelihoods depend on a fluid border.”

Mr Picardo said the agreement “will not depart from any fundamental principle”.

“It is about our future relationship with the European Union and with our nearest EU neighbour, Spain,” he said.

“It has come about because the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in 2016.”

“The UK already obtained its trade deal and this is Gibraltar’s own trade and mobility deal.”

“The Government of Gibraltar extends its sincere gratitude to all those who have worked tirelessly and with unwavering dedication over many years to help deliver this historic treaty.”

“We also wish to thank all those who have stood by Gibraltar throughout these negotiations, within the UK Government, across European institutions, and here at home.”

“This agreement is a moment of progress, of clarity, and of optimism for our nation and our people.”

“It also presents a chance for re-set between us and Spain which can lead to economic and social partnership and cooperation over confrontation.”

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares echoed the messages from the UK camp.

“Today we have reached a historic agreement” that “marks a before and after for stability, cooperation and well-being,” and “is also a new beginning in the relationship between Spain and the United Kingdom,” Mr Albares told reporters.

Mr Albares said “a shared prosperity zone has been achieved (…), with the 15,000 people who travel daily between Gibraltar and the Campo de Gibraltar and the 300,000 Andalusians in the area in mind.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also welcomed news of the agreement.

“Today is a great day for the Campo de Gibraltar,” he said, underscoring that Spain’s core position on sovereignty – which the UK and Gibraltar rejevt – remained unchanged.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also reacted to news of the agreement.

In a post on X, she said: “It safeguards the integrity of Schengen and the Single Market, while ensuring stability, legal certainty and prosperity for the region.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

The UK government has reached a post-Brexit agreement on Gibraltar, calling it “the last major unresolved issue from Brexit.”

Foreign Secretary David Lammy flew to Gibraltar late last night for talks with ministers, before heading to Brussels for final negotiations with the EU and Spain.

According to the government, the new deal “avoids the need” for checks on people and goods crossing the Gibraltar-Spain border and is intended to “support prosperity in the region.”

As part of the agreement, dual border checks will be carried out at Gibraltar airport by both Gibraltar and Spanish officials.

However, the UK government emphasized that “immigration and law and order in Gibraltar will remain the exclusive responsibility of Gibraltar’s authorities.”

Spanish officials will be in charge of maintaining Schengen Area integrity. The government said this arrangement is “similar to French police operating in London’s St Pancras station.”

A bespoke deal was necessary because Spain continues to claim sovereignty over Gibraltar, which the UK has controlled since the early 18th century.

Successive UK governments—both Tory and Labour—have consistently stated they will not cede Gibraltar to Spain.

In its statement, the government repeated: “Immigration and law and order in Gibraltar will remain the exclusive responsibility of Gibraltar’s authorities. Spanish officials will be responsible for ensuring the integrity of the Schengen Area, in a model similar to French police operating in London’s St Pancras station.”

Foreign Secretary Lammy said, “This government inherited a situation from the last government which put Gibraltar’s economy and way of life under threat. Today’s breakthrough delivers a practical solution after years of uncertainty.”

He added, “Alongside the government of Gibraltar, we have reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar’s economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again.”

Lammy also praised Gibraltar’s leadership: “I thank the chief minister and his government for their tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK’s commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as the Rock itself.”

(BBC)

The UK has reached a deal with the EU over Gibraltar’s border with Spain that will allow travellers to cross by land without checks.

The agreement on a “fluid border” clears the way to finalise a post-Brexit deal on the territory with the EU.

But those flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face one check from Gibraltarian officials and another by the Spanish on behalf of the EU.

An agreement for the future relationship between the EU and the UK in relation to Gibraltar is now a reality. It is a historic agreement. pic.twitter.com/vN9tzDpe4r — Fabian Picardo (@FabianPicardo) June 11, 2025

This is because the land border will allow those arriving by air access to the European Schengen free travel area unchecked once they are in Gibraltar.

The UK and Gibraltar insisted the changes would not affect the British overseas territory’s sovereignty.

The airport will operate under a model similar to London’s St Pancras station, where passengers pass through both UK and French passport checks to board international trains.

Goods and customs checks will also eventually be removed in both directions under the agreement.

I thank the chief minister and his government for their tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK’s commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as The Rock itself Foreign Secretary David Lammy

The move could also see airlines start to add flights to Gibraltar from countries other than the UK in a boost to tourism.

Officials say a hard border would have been introduced under the EU’s incoming exit and entry control system if no deal was reached, causing delays for some 15,000 people who cross the border every day as every individual passport was checked.

Talks on rules governing the border have been ongoing since Britain left the European Union in 2020.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the previous Tory government left behind a situation that “put Gibraltar’s economy and way of life under threat”.

President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the deal (Leon Neal/PA)

He said the agreement was a “breakthrough” after years of uncertainty.

He said: “Alongside the government of Gibraltar, we have reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar’s economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again.

“I thank the chief minister and his government for their tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK’s commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as The Rock itself.”

Spanish foreign minister Jose Albares said the deal marked “a new beginning” in the relationship between the UK and Spain.

He said that Spain “will guarantee free movement of people and goods”, adding that Gibraltar would now be linked to the Schengen Area with Spanish authorities controlling entry and exit.

I have always said nothing about Gibraltar, without Gibraltar. pic.twitter.com/SF96y31Ref — David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 11, 2025

President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the deal.

In a post on X, she said: “It safeguards the integrity of Schengen and the single market, while ensuring stability, legal certainty and prosperity for the region.”

Gibraltar’s chief minister Fabian Picardo said the deal would “protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and does not in any way affect our British sovereignty”.

“Now is the time to look beyond the arguments of the past and towards a time of renewed co-operation and understanding. Now the deal is done, it’s time to finalise the treaty,” he said.

The Conservatives have said they will carefully review the UK’s agreement with the EU on Gibraltar’s border to see if it crosses any “red lines” the party set out during its own negotiations when in government.

Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said: “Gibraltar is British, and given Labour’s record of surrendering our territory and paying for the privilege, we will be reviewing carefully all the details of any agreement that is reached.”

Mr Lammy held talks with Gibraltar’s leaders, members of the opposition and the business community before leaving the British overseas territory to head to Brussels on Wednesday morning.

Gibraltar was ceded to the UK by Spain in 1713 and the population is heavily in favour of remaining a British overseas territory.

The last time it voted on a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain, in 2002, almost 99% of Gibraltarians rejected the move.

Gibraltar also hosts an RAF base at its airport and an important naval facility.