The deal ends physical border between Spain and Gibraltar and establishes new post-Brexit framework.
On Tuesday, the European Union and the United Kingdom signed the Agreement on Gibraltar, which will lead to the removal of the fence separating the British overseas territory from Spanish territory.
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European Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic and U.K. Minister of State for Europe Stephen Doughty signed the agreement at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, accompanied by Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Albares and Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.
The signing of the agreement marks the final official step before its provisional entry into force on July 15, pending ratification by the European Parliament, expected in December, as well as approval by the British Parliament.
Spain and the EU countries already approved the legal texts that make up the agreement last April, completing the legal framework governing relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom established by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the two sides following Brexit.
The agreement eliminates all physical barriers to the movement of people and goods between Spain and Gibraltar while fully safeguarding the European Union’s Schengen area, the EU single market and its customs union.
One last look at the #Gibraltar frontier before it becomes history.
For decades it has shaped lives. Today is the end of an era and start of a new chapter. pic.twitter.com/mocuSP7NTU
— James Neish (@JamesNeish) July 14, 2026
The dismantling of the Gibraltar fence will bring an end to years of long lines endured by those commuting daily to the Rock from La Linea de la Concepcion, Cadiz, including thousands of cross-border workers.
Passengers arriving at the airport will be subject to dual border controls: Gibraltar will manage immigration and policing, while Spanish officials will be responsible for safeguarding the integrity of the Schengen area under a model similar to that used by French authorities at London’s St. Pancras station for trains traveling to France through the Channel Tunnel.
In addition, the agreement opens the door to direct flights between Gibraltar and destinations within the European Union.
Regarding goods, border inspections will be eliminated, and cooperation between the respective customs authorities will be strengthened.
On tax matters, the document provides for gradual convergence in certain areas. Gibraltar will apply an indirect tax equivalent to the value-added tax, beginning at 15% when the treaty enters into force and completing the convergence process within three years.
In Gibraltar, celebrations are scheduled for midnight on July 15 to mark the disappearance of the border crossing, with the participation of Gibraltarian and La Linea authorities.
On Wednesday, Spanish President Pedro Sanchez is also expected to visit the area to witness the demolition of the fence.
teleSUR/ JF
Source: EFE
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