The European Union and the United Kingdom signed an agreement yesterday Tuesday, 14th July, that will govern the post-Brexit relationship of Gibraltar with the bloc, paving the way for its provisional application from today, 15th July and leading to the historic removal of the border fence.
The official signing ceremony took place in Brussels. The European Commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič, who led the negotiations on behalf of the member states, will sign for the EU, while the British Minister of State for Europe, Stephen Doughty, signed on behalf of the United Kingdom government.
The event was also be attended by the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, and the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, who have both accompanied their respective delegations throughout the political negotiation phases.
The provisional entry into force of the treaty began at midnight today, Wednesday 15th July. This new framework will completely eliminate passport controls at the land boundary between Spain and Gibraltar. Instead, security and passport checks will be relocated to the airport on the Rock, where they will be carried out jointly by Gibraltar authorities and the Spanish National Police.
To mark this momentous transition, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, accompanied by Albares, will travel today to La Línea de la Concepción in the province of Cádiz. They will participate in a commemorative event to celebrate the removal of the physical border fence and the launch of the new joint border system.
Speaking from Brussels, Albares described the treaty as the beginning of an “historic stage” for Spain, Andalusia, and the Campo de Gibraltar region. He emphasised that it closes the final chapter of Brexit and opens a new era of opportunities and bilateral relations.