The UK and European Union have reached a breakthrough post-Brexit agreement on Gibraltar, aiming to ease long-standing tensions and eliminate hard border controls between the British Overseas Territory and Spain.
Under the new deal, Gibraltar airport will implement joint passport checks conducted by both Spanish and Gibraltar authorities. This setup will allow travelers to continue into the EU without further inspection, similar to current operations at London’s St Pancras station.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy hailed the agreement as a “practical solution” that secures both Gibraltar’s economy and British sovereignty. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo echoed this, calling the deal a historic moment that meets the needs of Gibraltarians without compromising their British identity.
Spain and the UK have also committed to finalizing the full treaty language as soon as possible. Both Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez praised the deal, describing it as a step forward for bilateral relations.
The agreement ensures British control of Gibraltar’s military facilities, including the RAF base and airport, and clarifies that it does not alter sovereignty status. With about 15,000 daily border crossings, the pact will ease movement and avoid the disruption feared with the EU’s upcoming Entry/Exit system.
While celebrated by many, the deal has faced criticism from opposition leaders. Reform UK’s Richard Tice labeled it “another surrender,” while the Conservatives pledged a thorough legal review to ensure sovereignty protections remain intact.
With overwhelming public support in Gibraltar for remaining under British rule—reflected in a 2002 referendum where 99% rejected joint sovereignty with Spain—this deal appears to deliver on those expectations while advancing EU-UK cooperation.
