Gibraltar’s Landmark EU Agreement: A New Chapter in Cross-Border Relations
Historic Agreement Marks New Era
On June 11, 2025, a significant political agreement was announced between the United Kingdom and Spain, alongside the European Commission and the Government of Gibraltar. This landmark deal provides a framework for Gibraltar’s continued access to the Schengen area while explicitly preserving UK sovereignty and ensuring continued economic stability.
Key Elements of the Agreement
The agreement will eliminate all checks and controls on people and goods moving between Spain and Gibraltar. At Gibraltar’s airport and port, there will be two sets of checks: Gibraltar authorities will continue their own checks, while Spanish authorities will conduct Schengen area checks on behalf of the EU.
Under the new arrangement, Gibraltar will participate in the Schengen area for free movement purposes. Spanish border officials will conduct Schengen entry checks at Gibraltar’s airport and seaport, with Gibraltar’s own border agents present alongside. UK nationals visiting Gibraltar who are not resident will need to comply with the Schengen 90/180-day limit, and businesses with mobile UK staff will need to adjust their operations accordingly.
Sovereignty and Military Presence
The agreement explicitly protects British sovereignty, UK military autonomy, and secures Gibraltar’s economic future. The UK Government has confirmed that the agreement guarantees full operational autonomy for the UK’s military facilities in Gibraltar, including its RAF base, which will continue to operate as it does today.
Implementation and Future Steps
The political agreement will now proceed to the legal drafting and ratification phase, requiring approval from the UK Parliament, the Spanish Cortes, the EU Council, and the European Parliament. The ratification process is expected to take several months, during which transitional arrangements will remain in place.
The agreement is expected to improve the business environment for the whole region. It includes a new cooperation framework for information exchange, a mandatory consultation mechanism, and the creation of a financial mechanism to promote economic and social development, employment, and cohesion between both sides.
