A new treaty governing the future of Gibraltar has been formally signed by the UK and the European Union, aiming to alleviate border crossing complexities and resolve long-standing uncertainty regarding its relationship with Spain.
The agreement is designed to eliminate extensive delays and burdensome checks for approximately 15,000 people who traverse the border daily.
The Foreign Office stated that the deal also ensures “safeguarding British sovereignty” and protects vital military operations.
The signing ceremony in Brussels was attended by Stephen Doughty, Minister for the Overseas Territories, Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, EU Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, and Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares.
Gibraltar was ceded to the UK by Spain under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, and its population has consistently expressed a strong desire to remain a British overseas territory.
A 2002 referendum on shared sovereignty with Spain saw 99 per cent of Gibraltarians reject the proposal. The strategically important headland also hosts an RAF airfield and a naval facility.
The territory was notably excluded from the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement following Brexit, a decision overwhelmingly opposed by Gibraltarians. Negotiations over border regulations have continued for years since Britain’s departure from the trade bloc, culminating in this new accord.
Mr Doughty said: “Our support for Gibraltar remains as solid as the Rock. This agreement opens a new chapter with the EU and Spain, supporting jobs, growth and prosperity on both sides of the border.”
Mr Sefcovic hailed a “truly historic moment” after the treaty was signed, and said it was the result of four years of “patient, complex negotiation.”
“It is a very special feeling to see a fence come down,” he said.
The Independent previously reported British visitors will face two sets of checks on arrival at Gibraltar airport. The existing examination by Gibraltar’s Borders & Coastguard Agency will be followed by a tougher Spanish frontier check.
UK travellers will have to undergo full entry-exit system (EES) registration. On the first crossing of a Schengen area frontier, they must register both fingerprints and facial biometrics. On subsequent crossings only one should be registered, usually the face. The EES process must be repeated upon departure.
The agreement will come into provisional effect on Wednesday.