A landmark post-Brexit deal for Gibraltar could soon restore fluid travel with the European Union for British citizens, effectively reversing some of the most significant local impacts of the UK's departure. The agreement, which diplomats finalised last week, is being hailed by Gibraltarian leaders as a way to 'undo the damage' caused by Brexit.
A Territory That Overwhelmingly Rejected Brexit
The move holds particular significance for Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory where 96 per cent of voters opposed leaving the EU in the 2016 referendum. The territory's economy and daily life are deeply intertwined with Spain, with thousands of Spanish workers crossing the border each day for employment and to visit family.
Chief Minister Fabian Picardo told the i Paper that the new framework, born from protracted negotiations, would in practice mitigate the disruptive consequences Gibraltar has faced since 2020. 'This will in effect undo the damage that Brexit did to Gibraltar and that we have been able to keep at bay with these negotiations,' he stated.
Details of the New Border Arrangement
The core of the deal involves creating a 'fluid' border between Gibraltar and Spain, removing physical checks for the vast majority of travellers. This would allow residents on both sides to move seamlessly across the frontier once more.
However, the agreement also introduces a significant change for air travellers. For the first time, there will be dual border control checks at Gibraltar's airport, conducted by both Gibraltarian and Spanish (EU) officials. This means British nationals flying into the Rock will need to present passports to EU border guards, despite arriving in a UK territory.
Legal Process and Political Reception
The agreement is not yet operational. Fabian Picardo confirmed it must now undergo legal scrutiny before being formally signed. It will also require approval from both the UK and European parliaments.
The news comes as the Brexit deal itself faces renewed criticism in Westminster. Last month, Prime Minister Keir Starmer labelled it 'botched,' arguing it erected unnecessary trade barriers with the UK's largest trading partner. If successfully implemented, the Gibraltar accord would represent a notable exception to that friction, at least in terms of human movement.
The deal culminates years of talks that began when the UK left the EU in 2020, set against the long-standing historical backdrop of Madrid's claim over the territory, which was ceded over three centuries ago. Provided it clears all parliamentary hurdles, the new travel rules are expected to be introduced by the summer of 2025.
